Nelson's Blood: The Story of Naval Rum

by James Pack

Examines the rum ration and its integral role in Royal Navy life for more than 300 years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Nautical

196 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1982

Reviews

[Manray9 · Rating 3 out of 5]

On July 31, 1970 boatswains aboard British warships around the world piped “Up Spirits” for the last time. On this infamous “Black Tot Day,” the Royal Navy ended a 315 year old tradition and sailors downed their last tot on Her Majesty. Navy rum, known in the service as Nelson's Blood, played an important role in the social history of the Royal Navy during the rise and decline of the British empire. The late Captain James Pack, RN, OBE does honor to that history. His book is detailed, well-researched, yet doesn't take itself too seriously. It is one of the U.S. Naval Institute's Bluejacket Book series and, like many others, is well-illustrated with historical drawings, paintings and modern photographs. I recommend it with a solid Three Stars.

In honor of the Royal Navy, go out and buy a bottle of Pussers Rum – the only rum made according to the Royal Navy's long-secret recipe – pour a double shot over ice, add a lime wedge, and toast Jack Tar. Alfa Delta Two Eight (Splice the Mainbrace).

[David Shadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Really informative about the origins and evolution of the naval rum ration. It follows its beginnings as a replacement for the naval beer ration, all the way to the infamous "Black Tot Day."

[Bob Koelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's topic is fascinating, and there are plenty (too many?) long excerpts of original letters and documents from the 17th century onward. But I'm sorry to say that despite the interesting information, I found the writing to be dry, not sustaining my interest at times.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining history of the "tot" (British naval rum ration), given in the context of surrounding naval history. It's interesting to see the shifts in attitude toward liquor (versus beer) from several perspectives ranging from seamen to admiralty.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of rum in the british navy.

[Matt Pietrek · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a historian studying naval rum 40 years after this book was published, it is a gold mine of historic information. The narrative is fairly approachable and easy to read.

The only issue I have is that a few of the assertions made by the author don't stand up to scrutiny of original sources. One example: The author says that the hydrometer wasn't invented until 2016, so the navy used gunpowder to test the rum's strength. However, records from the 1700s show that a) hydrometers existed in the 1740s, and b) the navy was using them shortly thereafter.

[Stephen Hampshire]

Bit off the wall, but really interesting.