Life Before the Mast: An Anthology of Eye-Witness Accounts from the Age of Fighting Sail

by Jon E. Lewis (Editor)

Life Before the Mast presents twenty-two eyewitness accounts of the battles, the hardships, and the excitement of naval service during the French Revolutionary War (1793-1802), the French Revolutionary War (1803-1815), and the War of 1812 - an age when combat at sea was won by skill, endurance, and sheer courage, and when Britain's command of the sea was thought by many to be unshakable.

Here is the reality behind the popular novels of sea fiction, gathered from memoirs, diaries, and personal letters. Exhilarating accounts of decisive naval actions, gunpowder and smoke, piracy and shipwrecks, are complemented by revealing glimpses of daily life aboard a man o'war, with its weevils and whippings, storms an salt pork.

Fascinating and humorous, often poignant, this book relates the realities of naval warfare through the words of those who put their lives on the line - the officers and men of the English, French, and American navies.

Genres: History, Naval History

495 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Jon E. Lewis is a historian and writer, whose books on history and military history are sold worldwide. He is also editor of many The Mammoth Book of anthologies, including the bestselling On the Edge and Endurance and Adventure.

He holds graduate and postgraduate degrees in history. His work has appeared in New Statesman, the Independent, Time Out and the Guardian. He lives in Herefordshire with his partner and children.

From: Constable & Robinson

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the insights into the lives at sea.

[Richard Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant book. Another view on naval history. Showing what those folk went through.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite seafaring selection. You will find better stories of the age of sail with well researched stories written by historians who have focused on the specific periods, wars or famous sailors. This current book is a collection of sea stories that appear to have been written by eye-witness accounts, letters, journal or log entries, etc. What is missing in many cases is the background leading up to the event and, of course, the clear writing of a professional.

[Bruce · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are several 'eye-witness' accounts by mainly British but also American seaman, mainly officers. After awhile they begin to read the same but with an occasional interesting tidbit.