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| The War for All the Oceans |
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UK hardcover |
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US hardcover |
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US paperback |
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Publication Details:
The War for All the Oceans: From Nelson at the Nile to Napoleon at Waterloo
by Roy Adkins and Lesley Adkins is published in the UK in hardcover by Little,
Brown and in paperback by Abacus - so it is a perfect present for all those
relatives and friends who are interested in naval and family history, and a
must for your own wish list.
It is also published in hardcover in the US by Viking Penguin and as an unabridged audiobook.
It is now available as a Penguin paperback in the US.
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Summary:
The period 1798 to 1815 with the Napoleonic Wars and the 1812 War with America has
just about everything that you could wish for in a book on naval history: large
fleet actions such as the Battles of the Nile and Copenhagen; many duels
between pairs or small groups of ships, such as the Shannon and Chesapeake;
combined naval and army operations like the disastrous Walcheren expedition;
and attempts to destroy enemy ships with new inventions like torpedoes and
rockets. One of the strangest episodes is that of HMS Diamond Rock, not a
warship at all but a convenient rock just off Martinique that the British
captured in order to harrass the French.
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The Temple prison in Paris, where spies such
as Sir Sidney Smith were held. |
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Sir Sidney Smith at the siege of Acre. |
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Most naval histories stop at Nelson and his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in
1805, but The War for All the Oceans shows that what came afterwards is
just as fascinating. At various times the British Navy took on almost every
other nation that had a rival fleet: the French, Spanish, Dutch, Danes,
Russians, Turks and Americans. Shipping routes all over the world were guarded
to ensure that trade with Britain was not interrupted, and as Napoleon lost his
empire, the British Empire formed solid foundations all because the Royal Navy
came to control the oceans.
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Naval history is not just about broadsides and bloodshed, but the lives and
experiences of real people, and so extensive eyewitness accounts vividly
portray not just the battles but also aspects of life such as shipwrecks,
press-gangs, prostitutes, spies and prisoners-of-war. This book tells the story
of those who belonged to the Royal Navy during the war at sea with Napoleon and
America. A man-of-war was literally home to hundreds of sailors for years at a
time, with cautious captains afraid to let the men go on shore in case they
deserted. These men had no entitlement to annual leave and no right to see
their families: many had been forced on board and did not want to be there.
Imagine a time when families around the coast and far inland were more afraid
of the press-gang than they were of Napoleon, because the press-gang could
seize boys and men, even from their beds. Their wives were left without
financial support and rarely knew if their husbands were dead or alive, or
maybe even a prisoner-of-war in France. If you delve into the history of any
family in the British Isles, the chances are that some ancestors will be
connected to the sea , and during the Napoleonic Wars, the press-gangs are
quite likely to have forced them into the navy.
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The press-gang in action. |
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A cannon salvaged from the wreck of the Anson
on the Loe Bar near Helston. |
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Excerpt (from Chapter 3: The Siege of Acre):
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Among the dead in the moat was the mutilated body of a French general, who had
worn an impressive uniform. The body had been stripped and beheaded by the
Turks, and the sight particularly offended Daniel Bryan, a seaman of the Tigre
described as an honest, though the truth must be told somewhat obtuse-minded
old tar. He asked why nobody had buried the corpse and was told, Go and do it
yourself. So he did. Other sailors tried to stop him and even offered to go in
his place, but he replied, No! you are too young to be shot yet; as for me, I
am old and deaf and my loss would be no great matter. They lowered him down the
wall on a rope with a pick and shovel, and an eyewitness recalled how his first
difficulty, not a very trivial one, was to drive away dogs that were feeding on
the corpses. Then the French spotted him...
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Portchester Castle, where French
prisoners-of-war were held. |
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Duckworth's squadron forcing their way through
the Dardanelles. |
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Stephen Decatur, the famous American captain. |
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Chapters:
Prologue: With Cannon and Cutlass
Chapter 1 - Gateway to India
Chapter 2 - Battle of the Nile
Chapter 3 - Siege of Acre
Chapter 4 - From Naples to Copenhagen
Chapter 5 - War and Peace
Chapter 6 - Hot Press
Chapter 7 - Invasion Fleet
Chapter 8 - Turning Point
Chapter 9 - In Every Sea
Chapter 10 - Conflict and Commerce
Chapter 11 - The Sea Wolf
Chapter 12 - By Land and Sea
Chapter 13 - The Grand Expedition
Chapter 14 - Disaster
Chapter 15 - Prisoners and Privateers
Chapter 16 - The Hand of Providence
Chapter 17 - Triumph and Tragedy
Chapter 18 - The Great Mistake
Chapter 19 - Up the Chesapeake
Chapter 20 - Star-Spangled Banner
Chapter 21 - Swansong
Chapter 22 - The Turn of Fortune's Wheel
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Window display at Warwick Books. |
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Window display at Waterstones in Torquay - the
cannon was loaned by Brixham Museum. |
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Available Rights:
World English Language and Polish rights are no longer available. All other
rights are available through A M Heath Literary Agents.
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The staff at Torquay's Waterstones on the
night of our talk, all in costume (loaned by Brixham Museum). |
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| We've been asked to add to this review section a few comments of readers - as opposed to paid critics. This is a great idea, and we'll gradually add some of the comments you have kindly sent to us by email or by post. We won't add full names of people, unless they specifically ask us to do so. 'I have just finished reading your wonderful book The War for All the Oceans. Now I can connect the events chronologically and see how each activity followed one another. At school one tends to learn about the major battles without seeing the whole picture and the strategic sweep.' (AEW, Maryland, USA) 'Upon my finishing reading your book this evening, I am moved to do something that - throughout my seventy-odd years - I have, perhaps, undertaken three times. That is extend my appreciation to (modern) authors. I am very glad to have read "The War for All the Oceans". Your smooth and competent use of language enables the reader to comprehend readily what is a massive and important subject.' (RO from British Columbia) 'I must say that I enjoyed it very much! The only shortcomings I found were not really shortcomings at all, but the limitations of what you could fit into one book ... All I can say is, Bravo! Encore!' (TDJ from USA) 'The War for All the Oceans is one of the most exciting books I've read for ages!' (GS, from Somerset) 'I started the book this weekend and find it difficult to put down. Congratulations! It reads like a novel ... Trafalgar was fascinating, this book is addictive.' (CB, from USA) 'The book often reads like a novel instead of what many people consider to be "dry" history ... I am enjoying the book and appreciate your writing it.' (EB from Dallas) It is one of the most reader-friendly books on history I have ever encountered ... thoroughly enjoying your marvelous book - it reads like a Bernard Cornwell or Wilbur Smith' (JB, Bahrain) 'I am about two-fifths through it and what a joy it is! It's particularly interesting because of all the ties I find between naval records and the books of Patrick O'Brian, but it is the narrative that is so fascinating. It rushes me onwards all the time ... Now already, I am looking forward to your next book.' (CJG, Portishead) 'The War for all the Oceans is a book to savour.
The wealth of personal experiences and explanations is extraordinary and practically every paragraph stands for itself ... You have managed to distil what must have been years of research into real gems. The selection process was spot on. My humble congratulations.' (CR, Gibraltar) 'An excellent read and very informative' (TB, from UK) 'I decided I could not wait for August and the paperback version of "War of all the Oceans" so I bought a hardback copy and can hardly put it down. My - you have caught the action - but ACTION!! As it is so well served with contemporary accounts, it is for me better than the many novels of the period - e.g. "Master and Commander" which I enjoyed but it did not have the PACE of War for All the Oceans. I am still in the early chapters but thought I would send a Thank You already.' (DW, Winchester)
[]
| | 'A quick note to tell you how much I enjoyed your book "The War for all the Oceans" ... Your book proved to be very worthy of my time.' (CA from USA) 'I have just finished reading your book The War for All the Oceans and have greatly enjoyed it. I am looking forward to your next book, Jack Tar. I also have Trafalgar on the shelf waiting to be read, and it will be next! Your style of writing is very entertaining while still providing a great deal of historical data.' (KG, USA) 'Before I started reading it I had the feeling of being about to open a box of chocolates and not knowing which to pick first. It truly was a fantastic read. I was particularly taken with the story of Robert Jeffery and his trials on Sombrero Island, and am surprised that there is no Hollywood movie! Thank you once again for providing me with such wonderful knowledge and entertainment through your work.' (JG, Teeside, UK) [Keep those comments coming - we appreciate them!]
| | The reviews above are from comments sent to us by readers. Below are some reviews from various newspapers and magazines: []
| | 'Hugely readable if occasionally rather jingoistic book' [Roger Cox in The Scotsman, September 2007]
| | '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.' [Geoffrey Wawro (Professor of Military History and Director of the Military History Center at the University of North Texas) in History Book Club August 2007]
| | 'The Adkins's engaging narrative ... is an ambitious and valuable book. Drawing imaginatively on a range of eyewitness accounts, it provides a powerful panorama of a worldwide war that stretched from the Mediterranean to the Americas.' [Nick Rennison in The Sunday Times August 2007]
| | 'The Adkins set themselves a daunting task - to cover such an action-packed seventeen-year period as 1798-1815 in just one volume - but they succeed brilliantly and bring it vividly to life in this compelling narrative history. Their inclusion of eye-witness accounts gives a powerful immediacy to the text. And for those wanting to follow up a particular item, the book is well indexed, with an extensive notes and bibliography section.' [Julian Stockwin in The Bosun's Chronicle, August 2007]
| | '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' [Publisher's Weekly, June 2007]
| | 'This is an historical narrative, beautifully composed and written, and brought to life through the letters and reminiscences of the participants themselves. This is how history should be written ... The authors must be complimented on their excellent choices, interpretations and essential linking histories ... It is all a captivating history of naval actions, held dramatically together by and through the words and stories of the eyewitnesses ... It may be long but it is a spell-binding narrative of the essentially human reaction to an enthralling period of naval history. A book not to be put down.' [Francis Bennett in SW Soundings, June 2007]
| | 'Their account is most engrossing when they utilize eyewitness accounts of ordinary seamen to capture the intensity of battle as well as the grind of day-to-day life aboard a warship. The Adkins display such superb technological knowledge of their subject that they can be excused for their occasional delving into "Britannica Rules the Waves" enthusiasm. A superior work of maritime history that both scholars and general readers should enjoy.' [Jay Freeman in Booklist (American Library Association), June 2007]
| | 'Sumptuous storytelling recreates the first worldwide war ... This real-life action will delight fans of fictional heroes from the same war - Horatio Hornblower (C.S. Forester) and Richard Sharpe (Bernard Cornwell).' [Kirkus Reviews, May 2007]
| | 'A stirring account' [Sue Baker, Publishing News, June 2007]
| | 'A fascinating study ... In this action-packed and highly readable book, the narrative rattles along like a CS 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.' [Andy Smith in the Geographical, November 2006]
| | 'Les auteurs relatent avec talent les différents conflits maritimes en commençant par les opérations en Egypte et en Syrie avec les batailles d'Aboukir et de Saint-Jean-d'Acre, le premier bombardement de Copenhague en 1801 ... Le mérite des auteurs en particulier, est de citer de nombreux textes empruntés aux témoins oculaires de l'époque à partir de leurs mémoires ou journal ... L'ombre des grands marins britanniques est constamment présente: les Sidney Smith, Nelson, Cochrane, Collingwood, Calder, Cockburn et autres. Ils appartiennent désormais non seulement à l'histoire de la Grande-Bretagne, mais aussi à celle de l'Europe.' [Alain Chappet in Revue du Souvenir Napoléonien Jan-Feb 2007]
| | '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.' [Colin Gardiner in The Oxford Times, January 2007]
| | 'Full of gripping eyewitness accounts of what happened ... we won't spoil the ending but Nelson plays a blinder.' [Motor Boat & Yachting, January 2007]
| | 'A rollicking, patriotic account of the Napoleonic Wars that will go down well with Master and Commander fans.' Our book was chosen as one of the history books of the year. [Dominic Sandbrook in The Telegraph, December 2006]
| | Our book was chosen as one of the top nine military titles of 2006, with the comment that 'Roy and Lesley Adkins tell the rousing tale of the overall British naval effort in the Napoleonic wars with great panache.' [John Crossland in the Sunday Times, December 2006]
| | 'Very readable, this is a lively example of narrative history. There are tales of derring-do alongside portraits of characters such as the brilliant, eccentric naval commander Sir Sidney Smith.' [Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, Financial Times, Trafalgar Day 2006]
| | 'The authors have drawn extensively on firsthand accounts to create a compelling picture of the triumphs and tragedies of the war against Napoleon, as well as the ill-judged campaign in America.' [Sandra Speares in Lloyd's List, December 2006]
| | 'A gripping portrayal of a little-known aspect of our history, told mainly by people who made that history ... the book has a strong 'period' feel and powerful immediacy ... The post-1805 section is packed with dramatic incidents and colourful personalities, leaving the reader breathless with its accounts of battles at all corners of the globe ... The great celebrant of the sailing navy, novelist Patrick O'Brian, once said that naval history of the Nelsonian period is Britain's Iliad. Like Homer's epic, it is a story of 'so many sturdy souls/ great fighters' souls'. Lesley and Roy Adkins deserve our gratitude for allowing some of these 'sturdy souls' to speak again so vividly.' [Colin White in The Observer, October 2006]
| | 'This is a fascinating, lively, tour d'horizon of the Royal Navy and its battles, its trials and tribulations, its way of life in an era of heroes known - Nelson, Cochrane, Hood - and heroes unknown.' [Navy News, October 2006]
| | In this action-packed and highly readable book, the narrative rattles along like a CS Forester or Patrick O'Brian novel, with a wealth of detail about naval life - from press gangs to prostitution - along the way ... making this one of the most authoritative but accessible studies of Nelson's navy available.' [Andy Smith in In The Know magazine, October 2006]
| | 'The authors have written a solid, readable account of naval operations during the Napoleonic Wars' [Saul David in the Sunday Telegraph, October 2006]
| | 'Compelling and comprehensive new book about the British Navy's epic struggle against Napoleon.' [Colin Bradley, Western Morning News, Trafalgar Day 2006]
| | 'On the desk beside my laptop is their magnificent new book The War for All the Oceans ... splendidly illustrated, this book is sure to be found in a parcel under many Christmas trees this year.' [Anne Weale, www.bookwormonthenet.blogspot.com/, October 2006]
| | 'Hazardous but often abortive operations ... fireships and rocket batteries ... primitive torpedoes ... such daredevilry comes alive in Adkins's choice of quotations from the diaries and combatants - 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 ... I found this book an enjoyable coda to Trafalgar year.' [John Crossland in The Sunday Times, September 2006]
| | 'A splendid account ... numerous eyewitness accounts provide a vivid impression of what it was like to be present at events which confirmed British supremacy of the seas.' [Kathy Chater in Ancestors magazine, October 2006]
| | '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 first-hand 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 humour as well as the bravery, the devilry as well as the sheer dogged determination to survive and win this hellish war.' [Christopher Catling, Salon, October 2006]
| | 'Another masterly work from the Adkins ... a breathtaking journey through one of the most glorious periods of our past' [Nigel Lines in Herald Express, September 2006]
| | 'This book takes us through the mammoth story of the naval struggle throughout the Napoleonic wars ... we're allowed insights into diaries and journals of the day which tell us just how awful it was to serve on a warship in the early 19th century.' [George Byrne in Evening Herald, September 2006]
| 'This is a superb reference book that comes complete with all the excitement and intrigue of Hornblower or a Bernard Cornwell novel. The War for All the Oceans offers outstanding insight into the lives of ordinary seamen, officers and civilians of the period. The action is constant and it is sometimes hard to remember that this is a history book and not a novel. An elegantly researched novel and a cracking good read!'
| | 'The authors' skill and excellent narrative successfully brings to life accounts of everyday life for the sailor at that time ... This volume will provide fascinating reading for anyone from the casual reader who normally enjoys the Hornblower style novels, through to the serious family and maritime history researcher and naval historian. This volume in my opinion is a must read!' [Michael D Booker, www.roll-of-honour.com, September 2006]
| | 'This is the extraordinary story of the British Navy's epic struggle against Napoleon ... From press-gangs to prostitutes to prisoners-of-war, this vivid and authoritative account describes the harsh realities of life at sea, and on land, during the most action packed years of British naval history.' [Anglian Evergreen Aug-Oct 2006] |
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