The exploits of the world's greatest sea power from its beginnings to its triumphs


This book, originally entitled, 'Fifty-Two Stories of the British Navy from Damme to Trafalgar,' is an excellent 'reader' for all those interested in the history of British conflict at sea, from the earliest times to possibly the greatest naval battle of the age of sail-Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets off Cape Trafalgar in 1805. The volume is organised chronologically and each account links to form a chain which demonstrates how the Royal Navy really did come to 'rule the waves' to the point that after Trafalgar it did not fight another major battle at sea until Jutland during the First World War. Among the many great naval officers whose exploits are detailed here are Howard, Barton, Hawkins, Drake, Blake, Rooke, Benbow, Rodney and many others. Some 600 years of warfare at sea is discussed including the many wars against the Dutch and the perennial enemy France. Great battles are detailed, including eye-witness accounts, and the reader is transported to Damme, the destruction of the Algerine Navy, the victories at La Hogue, Quiberon Bay, Cape St. Vincent, the Nile and many more. Finally the reader is introduced to the 'hearts of oak'-the great ships of Britain's fleet including Repulse, Royal George, Agamemnon, Centaur, Ramilles and other famous vessels-and their crews-whose names have entered the glorious history of the Royal Navy. Created for reading pleasure rather than in depth research this book is certain to be a welcome addition to the library of any enthusiast of the history of the great age of sail.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.