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Men-of-War: Life in Nelson's Navy
Any Aubrey Maturin reader determined to learn the locations of the orlop and the mizenmast, the etiquette of epaulettes, or the range of a 32-pounder will delight in this invaluable reference companion to O'Brian's epic and series. An exploration of what daily life was like in Nelson's navy, for everyone from the captain on down to the rawest recruit. Line drawings and charts help us understand the construction and rigging of the great ships, the types and dispositions of the guns, and how they operated in battle. Contemporary drawings and cartoons illustrate aspects of naval life from the press gang to the scullery. Finally, a generous selection of full-color paintings renders the majesty and the excitement of fleet actions in the age of fighting sail.
50 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1995
34 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
About the author
Patrick O'Brian
207 books2,408 followersPatrick O'Brian's acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of historical novels has been described as "a masterpiece" (David Mamet, New York Times), "addictively readable" (Patrick T. Reardon, Chicago Tribune), and "the best historical novels ever written" (Richard Snow, New York Times Book Review), which "should have been on those lists of the greatest novels of the 20th century" (George Will).
Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, O'Brian's twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician (and spy) Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. The books are now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book format.
In addition to the Aubrey-Maturin novels, Patrick O'Brian wrote several books including the novels Testimonies, The Golden Ocean, and The Unknown Shore, as well as biographies of Joseph Banks and Picasso. He translated many works from French into English, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir, the first volume of Jean Lacouture's biography of Charles de Gaulle, and famed fugitive Henri Cherriere's memoir Papillon. O'Brian died in January 2000.
The Aubrey-Maturin Series on Goodreads
Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, O'Brian's twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician (and spy) Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. The books are now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book format.
In addition to the Aubrey-Maturin novels, Patrick O'Brian wrote several books including the novels Testimonies, The Golden Ocean, and The Unknown Shore, as well as biographies of Joseph Banks and Picasso. He translated many works from French into English, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir, the first volume of Jean Lacouture's biography of Charles de Gaulle, and famed fugitive Henri Cherriere's memoir Papillon. O'Brian died in January 2000.
The Aubrey-Maturin Series on Goodreads
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 15, 2020
Cast off thy lubberly ways, matey! Men-of-War'll wet yer swab, unfurl yer sailorly grey matter and have ya shipshape and toppin' it the Age o' Sail scholar!
I can't keep this up...
Patrick O'Brian spent much of his life writing about the English Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. You may know him from his Aubrey/Maturin series, or perhaps from "Master & Commander," the movie based on it. The book series lasts 20 volumes, in each of which O'Brian spends plenty of time describing seamanship. So much ship detail and sailorly jargon is used that readers are often bogged down, some even bored. Yet, one need not understand all that stuff to enjoy the broader scope of the books. The period-appropriate dialogue, as well as narration to an extent, attention to historical detail, the thrilling action scenes at sea, and marvelous character development are more than enough to enthrall fans of this genre and time period.
Having said that, if you wish to have a better grasp of ship life in the early 19th century English Navy, Men-of-War can help. It's like a Cliffs Notes or Wikipedia of information at your fingertips. I read O'Brian's whole series through twice before I read this book and still I found it useful!
I can't keep this up...
Patrick O'Brian spent much of his life writing about the English Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. You may know him from his Aubrey/Maturin series, or perhaps from "Master & Commander," the movie based on it. The book series lasts 20 volumes, in each of which O'Brian spends plenty of time describing seamanship. So much ship detail and sailorly jargon is used that readers are often bogged down, some even bored. Yet, one need not understand all that stuff to enjoy the broader scope of the books. The period-appropriate dialogue, as well as narration to an extent, attention to historical detail, the thrilling action scenes at sea, and marvelous character development are more than enough to enthrall fans of this genre and time period.
Having said that, if you wish to have a better grasp of ship life in the early 19th century English Navy, Men-of-War can help. It's like a Cliffs Notes or Wikipedia of information at your fingertips. I read O'Brian's whole series through twice before I read this book and still I found it useful!
July 6, 2022
This book is a rudimentary introduction to the Royal Navy of Nelson and his contemporaries—and of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. As far as I know, there are dozens of these books available; indeed, I have skimmed through a few. The only reason why I picked this one up is the author. When I saw this book on the shelf next to his novels, I could not help but wonder if there was any special insight that O’Brian would provide in this book that would distinguish it from the rest.
My verdict is negative: there is no material here that cannot be found in similar books or even on the internet. Even for those readers of O’Brian’s novels or similar sea-stories there is little new information to be found here. The one complaint I have is that no sources are given for any of the illustrations.
That being said, reading this book was not a waste of time, even as someone who read a fair amount of fiction and non-fiction on this subject. For one thing, the text is engaging and flowing, not dry and dull, as it could so easily be. For example, to describe the ship’s company, O’Brian uses the device of describing the career of an imaginary sea-officer, William Blockhead (lifted from a contemporary cartoon) from boy to admiral. There is undoubtedly a sense of humor in the writing.
The book is well illustrated, too, including a range of diagrams, paintings, and prints. What is more, all these illustrations include meaningful captions which explain specific details and complement the main text. This book has some of the best diagrams of the decks and rigging of men-of-war, and is worth reading just for that reason. In fact, I am embarrassed to admit that, after all this time, I did not fully understand the configuration of forecastle, waist, quarterdeck, and poop until looking at the figures and reading the text in this book.
In conclusion, Men-of-War is a handy little guide, if somewhat unremarkable. It is brief and concise—it took me no more than two and a half hours to read—so if you are unsure about giving it a read, there is no harm to trying it out. A strong three stars for me.
My verdict is negative: there is no material here that cannot be found in similar books or even on the internet. Even for those readers of O’Brian’s novels or similar sea-stories there is little new information to be found here. The one complaint I have is that no sources are given for any of the illustrations.
That being said, reading this book was not a waste of time, even as someone who read a fair amount of fiction and non-fiction on this subject. For one thing, the text is engaging and flowing, not dry and dull, as it could so easily be. For example, to describe the ship’s company, O’Brian uses the device of describing the career of an imaginary sea-officer, William Blockhead (lifted from a contemporary cartoon) from boy to admiral. There is undoubtedly a sense of humor in the writing.
The book is well illustrated, too, including a range of diagrams, paintings, and prints. What is more, all these illustrations include meaningful captions which explain specific details and complement the main text. This book has some of the best diagrams of the decks and rigging of men-of-war, and is worth reading just for that reason. In fact, I am embarrassed to admit that, after all this time, I did not fully understand the configuration of forecastle, waist, quarterdeck, and poop until looking at the figures and reading the text in this book.
In conclusion, Men-of-War is a handy little guide, if somewhat unremarkable. It is brief and concise—it took me no more than two and a half hours to read—so if you are unsure about giving it a read, there is no harm to trying it out. A strong three stars for me.
January 7, 2017
Short but interesting read. Very informative. I learned a great deal about ship types, configurations, crew ranks, pay, meals, duties, etc. Fascinating.
June 30, 2009
I came across this slim volume (91 pages, text) in a used bookstore quite by chance. It's a collection of essays about life at sea during the "golden age" of the British navy (say, 1750-1850): "The Ships", "The Guns", "The Ship's Company", "Life at Sea" and "Songs". It's by no means a comprehensive history but for fans of Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin who don't want to or haven't the time to read weightier tomes, it's a delightful companion to the series.
I'm always amazed by the conditions these men endured for low pay and little reward.
I'm always amazed by the conditions these men endured for low pay and little reward.
December 28, 2018
If you've read the Aubrey/Maturin books, you've already learned most everything in here.
July 14, 2020
Had I read this beforehand, the first few books in the Aubrey-Maturin series might have been a lot more understandable. Patrick O’Brian delivers the essential information in a concise and accessible style, whereas Ronald Pickup’s narration of the audiobook is both clear and immersive. A necessity for readers of the series!
Rating: 4.6/5
Rating: 4.6/5
January 8, 2021
I have read a lot of 18/19th century naval fiction in the past 10 years, perhaps 35 books; it is clearly a fascinating subject to me, though I've no practical experience in sailing at all. Thus, it is also bewildering at times as well. Much of the activity in a novel by, for example O'Brian or Forester, is self-explanatory enough that you can muddle along in this fashion and still enjoy the stories. But this prevents you from understanding why a captain might order what he did under the circumstances, because while you sort of know what is happening, you don't understand the underlying mechanics at all, and there are still a lot of things to remember.
Patrick O'Brian's Men-of-War fills in the gap a bit. Because I've read a lot of books and not fully understood them, this Rosetta stone unlock a great number of mysteries for me, so it was very interesting and rates highly; yet I don't know how useful it would be if you haven't any background. Now that I've read it, I'm eager to read more fiction.
Patrick O'Brian's Men-of-War fills in the gap a bit. Because I've read a lot of books and not fully understood them, this Rosetta stone unlock a great number of mysteries for me, so it was very interesting and rates highly; yet I don't know how useful it would be if you haven't any background. Now that I've read it, I'm eager to read more fiction.
August 6, 2014
Patrick O'Brian is famous for his Aubrey and Maturin adventures set during the Napoleonic Wars. One of the hallmarks of his books is historical accuracy, and this, really should call it a booklet, is an example of the care and depth of his research into the British navy. As a little bit of a history buff I appreciate his research, and it added a little more understanding and appreciation for other (Stuart and Forrester) British naval fiction I have read. I think I can now remember where the orlop is on a ship.
October 23, 2018
This is an excellent companion to the Aubery/Maturin novels. It is better described as a quick reference guide than as a historical text. That is not to say that it isn't packed with information about the rules and regulations, the armament, nautical terms ,and the living quarters of the the crew and the officers.
To anyone with an interest in British Navel History, I highly recommend this book.
To anyone with an interest in British Navel History, I highly recommend this book.
June 10, 2021
Men-of-War: Life in Nelson's Navy is a hugely enjoyable primer on naval warfare in the era of Nelson. O'Brian boils down a lifetime's pursuit of maritime knowledge to essentials, familiarizing the reader with just enough naval terminology required to make sense of the average naval history book, so many of which take this stuff for granted. Rather than trying to be comprehensive, the book settles instead for communicating the flavour and excitement of its subject matter, kindling a desire in me to seek out more detailed accounts elsewhere.
The book is not simply a glorified information dump, however. It is filled with terrific anecdotes and humorous asides—O'Brian's macabre speculation on the fate of Admiral Holburne's young midshipman son, who "may well have been devoured by sharks while still so tender", had me chuckling merrily. His skill as a writer is most evident, however, in the brief but thrilling descriptions of famous naval encounters, notably that between the HMS Amethyst and the French ship Thétis, an incident which could have come from the pages of the Master and Commander series.
The only faults worth mentioning are the curious lack of a glossary (surely an obvious inclusion in a work of this sort) and the absence of any bibliography or guide to further reading (even though the latter would need updating, given that this was originally published in 1974).
Warmly recommended.
The book is not simply a glorified information dump, however. It is filled with terrific anecdotes and humorous asides—O'Brian's macabre speculation on the fate of Admiral Holburne's young midshipman son, who "may well have been devoured by sharks while still so tender", had me chuckling merrily. His skill as a writer is most evident, however, in the brief but thrilling descriptions of famous naval encounters, notably that between the HMS Amethyst and the French ship Thétis, an incident which could have come from the pages of the Master and Commander series.
The only faults worth mentioning are the curious lack of a glossary (surely an obvious inclusion in a work of this sort) and the absence of any bibliography or guide to further reading (even though the latter would need updating, given that this was originally published in 1974).
Warmly recommended.
May 12, 2017
...If nautical nonsense be something you wish..
"Success to all brave sailors that enter now on board;
A health to Captain Pellew, and all his sailors bold,
Who value more their honour than misers do their gold."
- excerpt from a song about the action between HMS Nymphe and the French frigate Cléopâtre in June 1793.
This book is highly rated and recommended based on it's conciseness (it's a short one), the beauty of it's art (high quality prints of paintings displaying the ships and their battles), and the fact that it is packed with nautical knowledge and insight on battle ships before the Industrial Age (pertaining to the Royal Navy).
"Success to all brave sailors that enter now on board;
A health to Captain Pellew, and all his sailors bold,
Who value more their honour than misers do their gold."
- excerpt from a song about the action between HMS Nymphe and the French frigate Cléopâtre in June 1793.
This book is highly rated and recommended based on it's conciseness (it's a short one), the beauty of it's art (high quality prints of paintings displaying the ships and their battles), and the fact that it is packed with nautical knowledge and insight on battle ships before the Industrial Age (pertaining to the Royal Navy).
October 21, 2025
Voy a ser completamente sincero: este libro se merece solamente un 2 y medio, pero como no puedo dárselo, y como tengo cariño por O'Brian, le doy un tres.
La primera impresión que me llevé al recibirlo fue que era pequeño, muy pequeño.
Se supone que es el libro que deberías leer antes de leerte cualquiera de la serie Aubrey y Maturín, como si fuera una especie de guia naval previa, he de decir que no es suficiente, en absoluto.
Le doy el valor que tiene porque todo el contenido (que no llega ni a las 100 páginas), es interesante, pero no es un libro que yo recomiende comprar, a menos que seas entusiasta de O'Brian o directamente completista.
La primera impresión que me llevé al recibirlo fue que era pequeño, muy pequeño.
Se supone que es el libro que deberías leer antes de leerte cualquiera de la serie Aubrey y Maturín, como si fuera una especie de guia naval previa, he de decir que no es suficiente, en absoluto.
Le doy el valor que tiene porque todo el contenido (que no llega ni a las 100 páginas), es interesante, pero no es un libro que yo recomiende comprar, a menos que seas entusiasta de O'Brian o directamente completista.
June 13, 2022
Una obra de arte de Patrick O'Brian dónde nos explica todos los aspectos de la vida en la armada inglesa desde sus inicios hasta el final de la vida de los barcos de vela. Las partes de los mismos, los tipos de barcos, la vida de los marineros, la artillería, los rangos de los oficiales y suboficiales, la organización de las batallas, entre otros muchos aspectos. Super recomendado para aquellos que quieren leer libros como los de Aubrey y Maturin para poder comprender mejor lo maravilloso que fue la armada inglesa en su época.
January 19, 2024
Un librito breve pero completo, con mucha información sobre la vida en la Armada inglesa durante finales del XVIII y principios del XIX. Sobre todo resulta muy útil para enterarse mejor a lo que se hace constantemente referencia en los libros de la saga de Aubrey y Maturin, del propio O'Brian. Viene con muchas ilustraciones, brillantemente explicadas por el autor, un apasionado del mundo naval y un especialista de la época, aunque se dice que no llegó a pisar un barco en su vida. Pero tampoco hace falta haberlo hecho para disfrutar de sus novelas.
November 19, 2022
Read patrickobrians menofwar
As much as I love the stories of the author I have to say this very thin (90 p.) book didn't deliver the fact and background I hoped for. There is nothing in there (except the paintings) you would not get from the novels and the writing style is not helpful from a didactic point of view nore from a accompanying booklet perspective. It feels like it was dictated spoken words and not written
Sorry for the rant, I love the books so much that I expected a lot more of it
As much as I love the stories of the author I have to say this very thin (90 p.) book didn't deliver the fact and background I hoped for. There is nothing in there (except the paintings) you would not get from the novels and the writing style is not helpful from a didactic point of view nore from a accompanying booklet perspective. It feels like it was dictated spoken words and not written
Sorry for the rant, I love the books so much that I expected a lot more of it
May 13, 2023
🌊 A fascinating account of what it was like to sail in a Royal Navy ship in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Lots of detail and anecdote. You have to really be into this era and the tall ships though or this stuff will sail right over your head.
My Masters was about this time period (though focused on the Atlantic Slave Trade specifically) so l'll likely sail these waters my lifetime through.
🌊 Britain ended her slave trade in 1807.
Lots of detail and anecdote. You have to really be into this era and the tall ships though or this stuff will sail right over your head.
My Masters was about this time period (though focused on the Atlantic Slave Trade specifically) so l'll likely sail these waters my lifetime through.
🌊 Britain ended her slave trade in 1807.
August 17, 2024
This is an excellent companion to aid the scrub landsmen when starting to tackle the Aubrey and Maturin series. O'brian does not shy away from the jargon and technical terminology which can become overwhelming. While you can allow yourself to learn these slowly or even not at all (much as Maturin), I found my enjoyment of the series increase as I gained more knowledge and understanding of the Naval world in the age of sail.
January 7, 2025
A very nice and very brief…even maybe a trifle brusque…introduction to life in Nelson’s Navy, as well as a brief tutorial on ships, sails, and guns. I found the progress of Captain Blockhead to be rather charming. There is also an excellent description of Jack Aubrey’s main squeeze, the HMS Surprise.
A tidy little book which I am sure will be a handy reference on any future circumnavigation. You can read it in an hour, as I did waiting in a doctor’s office.
A tidy little book which I am sure will be a handy reference on any future circumnavigation. You can read it in an hour, as I did waiting in a doctor’s office.
November 9, 2017
this is the tiniest coffee table book ever. I mean it does include quite a bit about the royal navy but is really a quick guide to help with the reading of his other books. I really enjoyed the cutaway drawings and diagrams, they were a big help in giving a mental picture to his books. I thought I new the basics of a ship but now I definitely do.
June 1, 2018
As someone who's only exposure to seafaring life has been a handful of pirate movies this is a quick introduction filled with nuggets of great information. Within the pages you'll learn about the ships, guns, crew, their lifestyles, and even their songs.
Although I did feel overwhelmed at times with so much terminology.
Although I did feel overwhelmed at times with so much terminology.
December 1, 2019
This isn't a novel, its just a little info-packed treatment of life in the British Navy in the Napoleonic Wars. Patrick O'Brian was without question one of the world's leading experts and it shows in his absolute mastery of the subject.
This is a must-have for any fan of sea novels, particularly those set at the time, and while its filled with info is still an enjoyable read.
This is a must-have for any fan of sea novels, particularly those set at the time, and while its filled with info is still an enjoyable read.
February 14, 2021
Good quick read to give some background for O'Brian's stories. I'm currently reading book 4 of the 21 book series and this seemed like a review of things that have been explained to Stephen (and the reader) in the first few books. Does give a little background of the history. I could have used more of that and some maps.
May 8, 2022
A decent introduction to Life in Nelson's Navy, as the title claims...but far less comprehensive than you might expect or want. Honestly, I wasn't expecting a counterpart to Swords Around A Throne, but I was hoping for more than O'Brian gives here. This is a very cursory introduction to the subject, and covers less factual ground on the subject than his own novels. There's virtually nothing new here if you've already read the Aubrey/Maturin books.
March 8, 2024
Well done mini coffee table summary of the 3-masted war ships of England, from 1650 to 1880, including smart storyline by the author of the 18-set ships-of-the-line adventure series fo great Britannica war ships, including Master & Commander. Beautiful color paintings of the finest ships and the great victories, including Nelson and his famous 4 ship battles against the French in 1797.
November 28, 2024
While this concise overview certainly helps clarifying some matters mentioned, but never truly explained in the books (which sails are where?), one cannot help the thought that it was mainly written and published to milk more money out of a well-established franchise with as little effort for the author and publisher as possible
June 27, 2025
A brief overview of the British Navy in the Napoleonic Era. Very useful in the beginning stages of reading O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin series.
Note: for more detailed information about frigate sailing manoeuvres such as tacking, wearing, and the box haul (as in “Post Captain”) try using one of the new AI programs.
Note: for more detailed information about frigate sailing manoeuvres such as tacking, wearing, and the box haul (as in “Post Captain”) try using one of the new AI programs.
November 4, 2025
Having read and loved the Aubrey-Maturin novels I found a first edition of this book in Scotland and just knew I had to buy it. Had I read it before I started master and commander a lot more would've made sense (instead of looking up terminology on Wikipedia).
The book is short but very enjoyable if you liked his other work, or naval faction in general. Also the illustrations are top-notch
The book is short but very enjoyable if you liked his other work, or naval faction in general. Also the illustrations are top-notch
August 13, 2017
A look at real life aboard a British Man of War in the Napoleonic wars and the War of 1812. It is a quick read but gives good insight into the real life that is part of the novels that the author wrote.
September 29, 2020
Not the best
I am reading Patrick O’Brian’s opus with Aubrey and Maturin and having a background is paramount. Dean King’s A Sea of Words is a much better guide. Nevertheless it is a some use.
I am reading Patrick O’Brian’s opus with Aubrey and Maturin and having a background is paramount. Dean King’s A Sea of Words is a much better guide. Nevertheless it is a some use.
November 4, 2017
Interesting details of British Navy of the early 19th century, along with some great art and drawings depicting naval battles and life at sea.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews