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Men-of-War
Out of print for many years, this is a brand new edition of the definitive companion to the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, written by the author himself.
What was daily life in Nelson's navy really like, for everyone from the captain down to the rawest recruit? What did they eat? What songs did they sing? What was the schedule of watches? How were the officers and crew paid, and what was the division of prize-money?
These questions and many more are answered in Patrick O'Brian's elegant narrative, which includes wonderful anecdotal material on the battles and commanders that established Britain's naval supremacy.
Line drawings and charts help us to understand the construction and rigging of the great ships, the types and disposition of the guns, and how they were operated in battle.
The meticulously researched text and imagery together provide an unparalleled insight into life during wartime in the Napoleonic era, and offer a wonderfully evocative companion to the world of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 11, 2022
A sketchbook
Fascinating , informative; some individual voices would have enhanced.Clear and simple on technicalities of rigging and tactical sailing. Very good.
Fascinating , informative; some individual voices would have enhanced.Clear and simple on technicalities of rigging and tactical sailing. Very good.
June 28, 2025
The Best Beginning for the A/M series
The books are set aboard late 18th Century ships. The book provides the basics to follow the details of the stories.
The books are set aboard late 18th Century ships. The book provides the basics to follow the details of the stories.
September 24, 2025
‘Member when Patrick O’Brian wrote a novella-length wikipedia article about 18th c ships??
I ‘member :)
This dorky little text is complete with pictures and tables about things like how many guns are on a second rate ship of the line (it’s 90-98) and how prize money was split (better to be a chaplain than a boatswain’s mate).
You could get this teeny volume at your local library, but then how would you write notes in the margins highlighting your favourite old timey terms for cannons, like falconet, demi-culverin, and, my personal favourite, murdering-pieces.
Sincerely a 10/10.
I ‘member :)
This dorky little text is complete with pictures and tables about things like how many guns are on a second rate ship of the line (it’s 90-98) and how prize money was split (better to be a chaplain than a boatswain’s mate).
You could get this teeny volume at your local library, but then how would you write notes in the margins highlighting your favourite old timey terms for cannons, like falconet, demi-culverin, and, my personal favourite, murdering-pieces.
Sincerely a 10/10.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews