Empire of the Seas
By Brian Lavery
This new book, a tie-in to a major BBC 2 series presented by Dan Snow, is written by one of the nation’s foremost naval historians. Following the progress of the Royal Navy from the defeat of the Spanish Armada to the First World War, Brian Lavery reveals how the Royal Navy shaped British industry, innovation and identity, and became the essential creator and guardian of British democracy. Rising through the brilliance of naval personalities such as Robert Blake, Admirals Anson, Rodney and Nelson, the author illuminates how that naval sense of leadership, initiative and courage began to stagnate during the 'long peace' of the nineteenth century, leading eventually to the bruising experience of the Battle of Jutland in 1916.
Lavishly illustrated with special photography taken during the filming of the BBC series, together with artworks and historical documents, the book also includes special features in which presenter Dan Snow gets first-hand experience of sailing a fifteenth-century replica ship and working a tall ship on a sailor's rations.
Published: 01/12/2009
Length: 272pages
Illustration note: Over 250 paintings artworks and photographs many in colour
ISBN: 9781844861095
Dimensions: 189 x 246
