The Glorious First of June: Hearts of Oak Trilogy

Dr Sam Willis is one of the world's leading authorities on the sailing navy. He is an Honorary Fellow at the University of Exeter's Centre for Maritime Historical Studies and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He is the author of several books on naval and maritime history including the highly successful Fighting Ships series. He lives in Exeter.

'With his great gift for making complex events exceptionally clear, and an authentically salty understanding of the workings of wind, sea, sail and rig, this is a brilliant and subtly nuanced account' Sunday Times. 'Those who would attempt to explain a great battle at sea in the age of sail need salt water in the veins and a skilled pen. In this marvellous book Dr Sam Willis proves that he has both' BBC History Magazine. 'One of the things that makes Willis such a joy to read is the blazing clarity of his explanations. By the time you've finished his book you'll appreciate every nuance of naval tactics' Mail on Sunday. 'His portrayal [...] serves as a model for future studies' International Journal of Maritime History. 'Willis's matchless grasp of historical detail brings it vividly to life' Mail on Sunday. 'Willis brings a welcome pace and energy to what might otherwise have been a dry account of a rarely remembered sea battle' Glasgow Sunday Herald.

'An authentically salty understanding of the workings of wind, sea, sail and rig. A brilliant and subtly nuanced account of the battle' Sunday Times. 'Those who would attempt to explain a great battle at sea in the age of sail need salt water in the veins and a skilled pen. In this marvellous book Dr Sam Willis proves that he has both' BBC History Magazine. 'One of the things that makes Willis such a joy to read is the blazing clarity of his explanations. By the time you've finished his book you'll appreciate every nuance of naval tactics' Mail on Sunday. 'His portrayal [...] serves as a model for future studies' International Journal of Maritime History.

List of illustrations. Maps. Prologue: The First Regicide. Introduction. The First Terror. The First Surrender. The First and Greatest Sea Officer. The First War Artist. The First Convoy. The First Contact. The First Blood. The First of June. The First Reaction: Honour and Glory. The Second Reaction: Acrimony and Disgrace. The Second Terror. Epilogue. Appendix I: The Chronology. Appendix II: The Fleets. Appendix III: The Pocock Sketches. Appendix IV: The Biographies. Glossary. Notes. Bibliography. Index.