Synopses & Reviews
Brian Lavery returns with the second volume of his engaging social history of the Royal Navy's 'lower deck.' Able Seamen addresses a range of issues central to the evolution of the seaman through 89 years of change. Readable, engaging and authoritative, it chronicles an important stage in the history of the Royal Navy and illuminates the inherent adaptability of the lower deck, as new technologies demanded increased professionalism, specialization, and training. The book also examines the changing social structure of the Navy, and the great demands made on the Service throughout the British Empire.
Review
"Brian Lavery's
Able Seamen adds luster to the author's sparkling reputation as a scholar and writer." --
Naval History Book Reviews
Review
"Photographs and an appendix are added to enhance the story Lavery tells so well and which includes many other comprehensive aspects of this huge topic. This is a book for all interested in the military to enjoy, an accurate, fascinating book that would serve as an excellent, reliable source for researchers." -- HistoricNovelSociety.org
Review
"This is both an important contributor to maritime history and an entertaining and informative look into a fascinating period in naval history -- highly recommended." -- Starshell Magazine
About the Author
Brian Lavery, a curator emeritus at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England, is the award-winning author of Empire of the Seas, among many other books.