This is a well-researched and highly readable account of naval life, both ashore and at sea, from a respected and admired historian and writer of whom it was once written An author who really knows Nelson s navy (Ramage s Prize - The Observer) and An expert knowledge of naval history (Ramage at Trafalgar - The Guardian). The author gives an account of the Admiralty and its workings, promotion systems, naval politics, press gangs and how fifty acres of oak trees had to be cleared to build one ship of the line. He stresses the harsh conditions of ordinary seamen, the almost totalitarian powers and responsibilities of commanding officers, punishments and the day to day tasks that had to be performed. Many pre-suppositions may be exposed by Dudley Pope s researches and the reader will find the book both highly informative, but not in a dry way, and certainly pleasurable to read."