Jack Tar Roy and Lesley Adkins

The strap line to this book reads "The extraordinary lives of ordinary seamen in Nelson's navy," and that sums it up perfectly. With chapters on all aspects of the seaman's world, it gives a complete picture of the men, the time, and the conditions. My only criticism, if criticism it be, is that the chapters are long, and rather breathless, with so much information presented without natural breaks as to make the narrative indigestible at times. That said there is a rich vein of solid information here, and I can see it becoming established as an essential reference book for many years to come. Comprehensive notes, a bibliography, and index complete the package. Buy it to read, to dip into, or to have on hand as a reference tool, but make sure it is on your book shelve.

That ones been on my wish list for some time. Sounds like it's a good one to have.

Currently reading this and thoroughly enjoying it. I guess I should know a lot of it already, having been an HNF reader for as long as I can remember, but it's nice to read about it all in one place and I particularly like the constant use of quotes from people who were actually there.

Thanks for the information. I've just ordered this from Ebay, £3.58 delivered - a bargain. There are plenty of copies available on the UK 'bay.

To follow on, this book is an absolute bargain, and a goldmine if you love HNF. It's beautifully written, incredibly well-researched. I'm still reading through my copy, it is a definite must for anyone interested in the Nelson's Navy. It's one of those rare books you can read all the way through, sequentially, then retain to dip into for many years to come.
As Joolz says, the quotations from those who were involved and wrote about it at the time are worth the cost of the book alone, a rare find, and unbeatable at the price.

Any big "surprises" in there or something that really struck each of you that you did'nt think it was like "that" in reality?

Cheers, thanks

Tom

I'm still deep into it, but one of the best things about this book is the number of quotations/writings from those of all ranks which were made at the time.

The biggest surprise for me was the revelation as to the number of prostitutes who were allowed to stay in various ships when they were in port - I always knew there were some, but in some cases the wives and prostitutes outnumbered the crew, to the extent that in August 1782 The "Royal George", which was anchored at Spithead and had her lower gunports open for the embarkation of stores, heeled over and filled with water, subsequently sinking, partly due to the number of wives, prostitutes and dock-workers on board. She was heeling over when the people on board started to slip down the canted decks, the weight on one side causing the lower gunports to rapidly fill with seawater, ultimately causing her to sink, with the loss of 617 lives.

WOW, now that is pretty wild, thanks for that sir!!

Cheers, don't get between the sailors and their women, even if it costs them their beloved ship it seems like!! LOL

Tom

Made my weekend when the local library said I was head of the reserved list. Picked it up, and a five minute dip indicates the treasures that lie within!

That is the weekend taken care of.....its slightly damp today.

I'm delighted to say I've just received Jack Tar in the mail and am happily engaged. This is a must-have companion for historic British naval fiction fans -- and authors, too!

Yes it is a fine book and I have devoured much of it!