Men-of-War: Life in Nelson’s Navy

Written by Patrick O’Brian

Narrated by Ronald Pickup

Out of print for many years, this is a brand new edition of the definitive companion to the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, written by the author himself.

What was daily life in Nelson's navy really like, for everyone from the captain down to the rawest recruit? What did they eat? What songs did they sing? What was the schedule of watches? How were the officers and crew paid, and what was the division of prize-money?

These questions and many more are answered in Patrick O'Brian's elegant narrative, which includes wonderful anecdotal material on the battles and commanders that established Britain's naval supremacy.

The meticulously researched text provides an unparalleled insight into life during wartime in the Napoleonic era, and offers a wonderfully evocative companion to the world of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9780008356019

Patrick O’Brian

Patrick O’Brian was born in 1914 and published his first book, Caesar, when he was only fifteen. In the 1960s he began work on the idea that, over the next four decades, evolved into the twenty-novel long Aubrey–Maturin series (with an extra unfinished volume published posthumously). In 1995 he was awarded the CBE, and in 1997 he received an honorary doctorate of letters from Trinity College, Dublin. He died in January 2000 at the age of 85.

Reviews for Men-of-War

[Anne-Marie Paul · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting also when you have not read the novels, a good introduction to the period wars. But it is rather difficault to understand the reader, so I'll prefer to read the e book.

[darthdeverell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Patrick O'Brian's Men-of-War: Life in Nelson's Navy explores life in the Royal Navy during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. By no means an exhaustive look at Nelson's Navy, O'Brian's book works best as a companion to his Aubrey-Maturin series as it explains how the watch system worked, the rigging of sails, and the weaponry aboard ships. O'Brian alternates between explanation and detailed descriptions of battles as examples of his subjects, bringing to bear the writing style he previously demonstrated in his novels. This volume also features paintings and illustrations from the period.

[sriemann_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've had this book for a while, to look at and get a better idea about the wonderful details in O'Brian's Aubrey/maturin series. This was a very helpful, but still entertaining guide to the major ideas of the books - the ships themselves, types, sails,gunnery; the officers and men, ranks, duties; the typical day;

The illustrations and diagrams really added to the book, and O'Brian used them effectively, pointing out different things in the same painting.

The only drawback is remembering O'Brian is now 'sailing the further seas.'

[ehines_20 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Nice little book on the Nelson-era navy. Not exhaustive by any means, but would be a good companion for the person just venturing into the Aubrey novels.