In September 1939; housewife and mother Nella Last began a diary whose entries; in their regularity; length and quality; have created a record of the Second World War which is powerful; fascinating and unique. When war broke out; Nella's younger son joined the army while the rest of the family tried to adapt to civilian life. Writing each day for the "Mass Observation" project; Nella; a middle-aged housewife from the bombed town of Barrow; shows what people really felt during this time. This was the period in which she turned 50; saw her children leave home; and reviewed her life and her marriage - which she eventually compares to slavery. Her growing confidence as a result of her war work makes this a moving (though often comic) testimony; which; covering sex; death and fear of invasion; provides a new; unglamorised; female perspective on the war years.'Next to being a mother; I'd have loved to write books.' Oct 8; 1939
#857613 in Books Osprey Publishing UK 2001-11-25 2001-11-25Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.70 x 1.91 x 7.28l; .39 #File Name: 184176308X48 pagesOsprey Publishing UK
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Backbone of the English fleet--the Ship-of-the-lineBy Steven PetersonIn its day; the "Ship-of-the-line" was the equivalent to battleships in the 20th century. The "line" refers to the fact that a standard strategy of naval warfare was to have large ships on the two sides in battle in a line; firing broadsides at one another. Hence; ship-of-the-line.These ships were the largest fighting ships of their time; divided into four classes. The least of them was still normally more powerful than a frigate; the next ship down in power. One of the best known of these vessels was H.M.S. Victory; which Admiral Horatio Nelson commanded so famously (see a cutaway view of the ship on pages 28-29).The brief book begins by noting the importance of this class of vessel (Page 3): "Seapower was the key to victory; and the British ship-of-the-line was the ultimate arbiter of maritime supremacy." The book begins by noting the rating system (depending largely on firepower; top level ships-of-the-line had 100+ cannon and three levels of cannon). There is discussion of design of these behemoths; how to build an effective battle fleet; fleet strength; and ship types. Next is an exploration of operation; how ships were organized; how to sail such a ship; battle tactics; and ships in action.An especially interesting section is a listing of ships-of-the-line on pages 37-41; from the "First rate" ships such as Victory; Britannia; Hibernia and Howe to the "Fourth rate" ships; featuring 50-60 guns. There is also a list of ships captured from French and Spanish navies; among others. The book closes with a bibliography and glossary (Did you know that an "orlop" is the deck below the lowest gun deck?).If you want a quick introduction to this workhorse of the fleet; this is a good reference.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Nice Book; But I Prefer Peter Goodwin's HMS Victory: Owners' Workshop ManualBy William D ThompsonVery nice book (and series); but I wish there was more to it. The book is slim (only 48 pages) and could use more color pictures. If you are interested in this topic; I recommend you consider the HMS Victory 1765-1812 (First Rate Ship of the Line): Owner's Workshop Manual; by Peter Goodwin.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good reference for Nelson's Victory; especiallyBy L. W. PerkinsIt probably deserves one more star--it has a wonderful description of the rating system; how the ships were build; how the crews were allocated; lots of period reference and illustrations; and excellent writing. My only complaint was that I was hoping for a overhead deck-by-deck cutaway of the Victory; and there was (as you can see on the cover) a pretty nice version that was good; but a little unclear if you are trying to do an accurate illustration of just the forecastle or the carpenters' area.
