Roy Adkins is a historian and archaeologist. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries in London. His previous books include The Keys of Egypt: The Obsession to Decipher Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Dictionary of Roman Religion, and Handbook to Life in Ancient Rome.
“Hazardous but often abortive operations, fireships and rocket
batteries, primitive torpedoes . . . such daredevilry comes alive—a
drama of blazing ships and broadsides and the awesome power of the
elements, which even the finest of the many modern fiction
interpreters of the era could hardly improve on.”
—The Sunday Times (London)
“One of the many strengths of this book is the way that it is not
just the captains and commanders who speak to us through the
numerous firsthand accounts that the authors weave into their
narrative, but also the seamen and the prostitutes—thus conveying a
sense of the Great War’s human dimensions, as well as the official
history, the black humor as well as the bravery, the devilry as
well as the sheer dogged determination to survive and win this
hellish war.”
—Salon
“Engrossing . . . The Adkinses display such superb technological
knowledge of their subject . . . A superior work of maritime
history that both scholars and general readers should enjoy.”
—Booklist
“In this vivid history, the husband-and-wife historians . . .
illuminate aspects of life at war and on the home fronts, quoting
from diaries, letters, and journals. Sumptuous storytelling
re-creates the first worldwide war. . . . This real-life action
will delight fans of fictional heroes from the same wars—Horatio
Hornblower (C.S. Forester) and Richard Sharpe (Bernard
Cornwell).”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Meticulously researched—drawing on extensive and intimate
eyewitness accounts from contemporary journals, letters and
memoirs—this lively narrative will delight students and fans of
nautical history.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A rollicking, patriotic account of the Napoleonic wars that will
go down well with Master and Commander fans.”
—The Telegraph
“Lesley and Roy Adkins deserve our gratitude for allowing some of
these ‘sturdy souls’ to speak again so vividly.”
—The Observer (London)
“Very readable and lively. There are tales of derring-do alongside
portraits of characters such as the brilliant, eccentric naval
commander Sir Sidney Smith.”
—Financial Times
“The stories in this book evoke the romance of seafaring in the age
of wooden ships and muzzle-loading guns. All the original firsthand
texts are well-selected and written with verve and clarity. This is
fine entertainment.”
—Naval History
“A fascinating study . . . In this action-packed and highly
readable book, the narrative rattles along like a C.S. Forester or
Patrick O’Brian novel, with a wealth of detail about naval life . .
. making this one of the most authoritative but accessible studies
of Nelson’s navy available.”
—The Geographical Journal
“A first-class book, wide in scope and gripping in detail. From
diseases to prostitutes to military action, Adkins brings knowledge
and power to the subject. It would be difficult to find a more
creative book on the British navy during its most tumultuous
period.”
—Oxford Times
“Full of gripping eyewitness accounts of what happened . . .We
won’t spoil the ending but Nelson plays a blinder.”
—Motor Boat & Yachting
“Roy and Lesley Adkins have written a marvelous narrative history.
. . . There is no question that sea power contributed mightily to
Napoleon’s defeat, and this fine book drives home that point
colorfully.”
—History Book Club
“Another masterly work from the Adkinses . . . a breathtaking
journey through one of the most glorious periods.”
—The Herald Express
"Hazardous but often abortive operations, fireships and rocket
batteries, primitive torpedoes . . . such daredevilry comes alive-a
drama of blazing ships and broadsides and the awesome power of the
elements, which even the finest of the many modern fiction
interpreters of the era could hardly improve on."
-The Sunday Times (London)
"One of the many strengths of this book is the way that it is not
just the captains and commanders who speak to us through the
numerous firsthand accounts that the authors weave into their
narrative, but also the seamen and the prostitutes-thus conveying a
sense of the Great War's human dimensions, as well as the official
history, the black humor as well as the bravery, the devilry as
well as the sheer dogged determination to survive and win this
hellish war."
-Salon
"Engrossing . . . The Adkinses display such superb technological
knowledge of their subject . . . A superior work of maritime
history that both scholars and general readers should enjoy."
-Booklist
"In this vivid history, the husband-and-wife historians . . .
illuminate aspects of life at war and on the home fronts, quoting
from diaries, letters, and journals. Sumptuous storytelling
re-creates the first worldwide war. . . . This real-life action
will delight fans of fictional heroes from the same wars-Horatio
Hornblower (C.S. Forester) and Richard Sharpe (Bernard
Cornwell)."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Meticulously researched-drawing on extensive and intimate
eyewitness accounts from contemporary journals, letters and
memoirs-this lively narrative will delight students and fans of
nautical history."
-Publishers Weekly
"A rollicking, patriotic account of the Napoleonic wars that will
go down well with Master and Commander fans."
-The Telegraph
"Lesley and Roy Adkins deserve our gratitude for allowing some of
these 'sturdy souls' to speak again so vividly."
-The Observer (London)
"Very readable and lively. There are tales of derring-do alongside
portraits of characters such as the brilliant, eccentric naval
commander Sir Sidney Smith."
-Financial Times
"The stories in this book evoke the romance of seafaring in the age
of wooden ships and muzzle-loading guns. All the original firsthand
texts are well-selected and written with verve and clarity. This is
fine entertainment."
-Naval History
"A fascinating study . . . In this action-packed and highly
readable book, the narrative rattles along like a C.S. Forester or
Patrick O'Brian novel, with a wealth of detail about naval life . .
. making this one of the most authoritative but accessible studies
of Nelson's navy available."
-The Geographical Journal
"A first-class book, wide in scope and gripping in detail. From
diseases to prostitutes to military action, Adkins brings knowledge
and power to the subject. It would be difficult to find a more
creative book on the British navy during its most tumultuous
period."
-Oxford Times
"Full of gripping eyewitness accounts of what happened . . .We
won't spoil the ending but Nelson plays a blinder."
-Motor Boat & Yachting
"Roy and Lesley Adkins have written a marvelous narrative history.
. . . There is no question that sea power contributed mightily to
Napoleon's defeat, and this fine book drives home that point
colorfully."
-History Book Club
"Another masterly work from the Adkinses . . . a breathtaking
journey through one of the most glorious periods."
-The Herald Express
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