Overview

The year 1588 marked a turning point in our national story. Victory over the Spanish Armada transformed us into a seafaring nation and it sparked a myth that one day would become a reality – that the nation's new destiny, the source of her future wealth and power lay out on the oceans. This book tells the story of how the navy expanded from a tiny force to become the most complex industrial enterprise on earth; how the need to organise it laid the foundations of our civil service and our economy; and how it transformed our culture, our sense of national identity and our democracy. Re-issued in trade paperback format Brian Lavery's narrative explores the navy's rise over four centuries; a key factor in propelling Britain to its status as the most powerful nation on earth, and assesses the turning point of Jutland and the First World War. He creates a compelling read that is every bit as engaging as the TV series itself.

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9781472835604

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Reviews

Elegantly written … authoritative and accessible * Nautilus International Telegraph * Excellent … the Royal Navy has provided Great Britain with many of its heroes, including Drake and Nelson. In addition to them, hundreds of thousands of men served with the fleet over the centuries. This is the story of the effect they had on the world. * Nautical Magazine * The history of the Royal Navy is a long and illustrious one … Brian Lavery, an acknowledged expert in his subject, has done a great job in distilling so much information into [one] book – and in a very approachable and readable way. * Ancestors Magazine * This wonderful book tells the story of how the Royal Navy became the most powerful navy in the world and justifiably inspired the unofficial national anthem, “Rule Britannia” … the author brings to life the heroics of Drake, Hawkins, Nelson and Rodney. * The Good Book Guide * If a Whitehall mandarin, with his hand on the tiller of defence spending, is planning to while away a few hours this weekend with a good book, then this is the one he should choose to read. For he will be reminded that in this age of never-ending conflict and strife the “Great” which was attached to our nation’s name largely came about because of our Royal Navy … [a] compelling tome * Western Morning News * The text provides an overview of the Royal Navy from the defeat of the Spanish Armada to the First World War. However, some of the more interesting material looks at what it was like to be a naval seaman. What did the crew of a 15th-century ship actually do? What rations would a sailor on an 18th-century tall ship receive? It is details like this that help us to understand and appreciate our naval ancestors’ lives … a splendid volume. * Family History Monthly * The accessibility of Empire of the Seas is perhaps its greatest strength. Whether academic or keen amateur there is something for everyone. Empire of the Seas is an engaging and meticulously researched work, which is highly recommended. * Naval Historical Collectors & Research Associatiob *

Author Information

Brian Lavery is one of Britain's leading naval historians and a prolific author. A Curator Emeritus at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, and a renowned expert on the sailing navy and the Royal Navy, in 2007 he won the prestigious Desmond Wettern Maritime Media Award. His naval writing was further honoured in 2008 with the Society of Nautical Research's Anderson Medal. His recent titles include Ship (2006), Royal Tars (2010), Conquest of the Ocean (2013), In Which They Served (2008), and Churchill's Navy (2006).

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