Royal Tars: The Lower Deck of the Royal Navy, 875-1850

Conway Maritime Press, 2010. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good . 6x1x9. In his trademark style informed by diligent research and an unsurpassed understanding of naval practice, Brian Lavery examines the Royal Navys lower deck; an aspect of the service that hitherto has often been overlooked. The reputation of early seamen as irresponsible, amoral and liable to drunkenness and desertion perhaps accounts for this, but Royal Tars seeks to rehabilitate the reputation of the seaman by presenting the authentic voice and social history of the lower deck, portraying a lively and vivid culture with its own values, language and rituals. In addition, fascinating first-hand accounts illuminate the seamans daily life and his attitudes to officers, naval service and discipline, and the experience of battle as seen from the gun deck or the fighting top.