The Wooden World: Anatomy of the Georgian Navy [Paperback]

Dr. Rodger debunks the poular view of the rule of rum, sodomy and the lash ... it's hard to reconcile the amazing fighting record of HMRN with a mental picture of drunken, debilitated incompetents. As with most urban myths, the exception becomes the rule instead of proving it; but the Appendix shows the low rates of desertion after the 1st month, which seems inconsistent with routine brutality (with a very few exceptions).
Dr. Rodger writes with real authority (having worked in the Public Records Office and the Naval History Society) and a succinct informative style that isnot iver-descriptive nor too academic - although the wealth of references make this an ideal vehicle for anyone wishing to do more research (a full fifth of the book is appendix, references & bibliography) - the information is ordered, yet naturally flows from section to another, making for compulsive reading.
Tantalisingly he drops in little snippets of information that make you want to know more, but that would vastly increase the size of the book - the references are there should you want to pursue the matter.

Ideally, this should be read before any other naval books, but I fear that information overload would deter anyone not already primed with some background of naval history / terminology.

A great book and a welcome addition to any historian's library. *****

The complex organisation of society on board a man-of-war is examined in depth. The myth of the navy of that time being based on harsh and brutal discipline is soon, surprisingly perhaps, dispelled. Punishments were rare and usually light, seamen having far more freedom and liberty than would be tolerated in the modern service. Seamen were valuable experienced experts and in short supply at time of war. The Admiralty took great efforts over their care especially in terms of diet (meat four times a week was more than most landsmen could hope for) and medical needs were addressed with new hospitals (including Haslar - at the time the largest brick building in Europe) established. Grievances were taken seriously and investigated - more than one captain was replaced after complaints from seamen. It becomes apparent that the whole ship's company cooperated to create a smooth and efficient machine, which greatly aided British superiority at sea.

The problem of finding seamen is examined - the use of the impress gangs was widely detested, although they did not round up all and sundry but only those who worked at sea. Desertion was guarded against, but great lenience was exercised in dealing with defaulters, especially those who had merely absented themselves for a few days. This should not imply that all seamen sought to escape - very few true desertions took place and there were always experienced seamen who volunteered for service.

A very interesting topic is the use of patronage and interest in the promotion of officers. Far from being an inefficient system, it worked surprisingly well, producing some great naval heroes. Its operation is detailed, noting that unlike on land, skill and experience were essential factors in promotion.

Rodger writes smoothly demonstrating an extensive mastery of the sources (mainly based on official and private letters) and skillfully blending quotations into the text without disruption. The direct use of so much source material is highly effective and gives a real insight into comtemporary society and the views of naval personnel. The result is a scholarly yet highly readable book with extensive footnotes placed unobtrusively at the rear and tables and graphs placed in appendices.