Men of War: Courage Under Fire in the Nineteenth-century Navy by Crane, David - 2009

UK: Harper Press, 2009. Men of War: Courage Under Fire in the Nineteenth-century Navy by David Crane is 480pp, 2 picture sections, 800g to post. Crane offers a unique portrait of the Royal Navy (through the lives of 3 sailors) at a time when it held unchallenged dominion over the world's oceans. reviewer says > A superbly researched work, this utilises contemporary accounts, private letters and official navy to look at the careers of three officers. The first, Frank Abney Hastings, is perhaps the most interesting, for, in the search for glory, action and battle after being sacked in disgrace over a row with superiors, he ended up commanding a steam ship in the defence of Greece - a strange end for a Royal Navy officer. The author builds a powerful case that Hastings transformed sea warfare in the age - his success in the hitherto untested steam boat, using the latest in firepower made the world sit up and take note. Prime Minister Robert Peel's son William and his glittering career had its defining moments on land, although he was a naval man, taking part in the horror of the Crimean war and tackling the Indian mutiny. In a book, ostensibly purely concerned with courage, James Goodenough is the joker in the pack, but knowing the original title makes his inclusion more logical. It was Goodenough who really tried to put into effect an `Empire with a conscience' policy, battling with authority for what he perceived as indigenous peoples' rights, only to die at the height of his powers, ironically from a native's poisoned arrow. All three represent the navy at its best - independence of thought, a strong sense of duty and incredible bravery under fire. The navy, of course represented Britain around the world, and by the time of Goodenough, the author shows it was beginning to recognise its moral as well as military roles. A cracking read about a fascinating time in history. . Hardcover. Excellent/Very Good/Very Good. 24cm.