Men-Of-War: Life in Nelson's Navy by O'Brian, Patrick

New York/London: W W Norton . American First Edition 1995. hardbound in dj, Fine/Fine condition, . 6 1/2 in. x 9 1/2 in., 95 pages, illustrated (many in color). Brown cloth with titles gilt on spine, orange-brown endpapers; glossy, unclipped, color printed dustjacket, with illustration by Geoff Hunt.--------------------------This richly illustrated book offers a concise overview of the historical background to Patrick O'Brian's acclaimed Aubrey/Maturin series, a straightforward exploration of what daily life in Nelson's navy was really like for everyone from the captain to the rawest recruit. What did they eat? What songs did they sing? What was the schedule of watches? What was the division of prize money to officers and crew? How did these men end up at sea in the first place?------------------------------These questions and many more are answered in O'Brian's elegant narrative, which includes wonderful anecdotal material on the battles and commanders that established Britain's naval supremacy. Line drawings and charts help us to understand the construction and rigging of the great ships, the types and disposition of the guns, and how they were operated in battle. Contemporary drawings and cartoons illustrate aspects of naval life from the press gang to the scullery. Finally, a generous selection of full-color paintings renders the majesty and the excitement of fleet actions in the age of fighting sail.--------------------------Any Aubrey/Maturin reader determined to learn the locations of the maintop and the mizenmast, the etiquette of epaulettes, or the range of a 32-pounder will delight in this invaluable reference companion to O'Brian's majestic series.