Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain, 1649--1815, (Paperback)

from joeldinda

Since this book's based on better documentation than its predecessor, it's more certain of its arguments and more convincing in its conclusions. Roughly speaking, this book covers the period from Pepys through Nelson--the period when the Royal Navy came into its own as a world institution. Really...

from Shrike58

The alternative title for this work could be "The Impact of Politics and Social Change on the Royal Navy," as Rodger argues that without the need to secure religious liberty and Parliment's ultimate adoption of the fleet it is unlikely that the will would have been found to develop the service mo...

from CNDeCurtis

An excellent read that does not bore the reader to tears as many history books are want to do. The author did his research, as expected from a professional researcher/historian, and writes with authority about one of the most important naval chapters of our world. As a fan of fictional history, t...

from RobertP

Easy to read survey of the height of British sea power. The scholarship is extraordinary, and thankfully it is combined with an ability to write in the English tongue. It goes far to explain not only the power of the 18th and 19th Century Royal Navy, but also the strengths and the rise of Great B...

from joeldinda

Since this book's based on better documentation than its predecessor, it's more certain of its arguments and more convincing in its conclusions. Roughly speaking, this book covers the period from Pepys through Nelson--the period when the Royal Navy came into its own as a world institution. Really...