PDF The Wooden World: An Anatomy of the Georgian Navy by N. A. M. Rodger in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The image of a dirty British ship with a tyrannical commanding officer is addressed ...By Jake ZirkleN.A.M. Rodger’s The Wooden World: An Anatomy of the Georgian Navy offers an outstanding examination of the inner workings of the British Navy during the Seven Year’s War. Senior Research Fellow at All Souls College (Oxford); Rodger has analyzed a tremendous amount of sources; both primary and secondary; to compose this extraordinary work. Rodger’s goal is to dispel the numerous myths that surround the British Navy and provide a detailed account of the lives of those aboard these vessels. Rodger’s draws much of his information from the Public Records Office; but he admits that he has not exhausted the archives. By discussing this in the beginning of his book; Rodger is making it known that further study is possible on the internal life of the British Navy and he is certainly challenging others to explore these records. Rodger has included in his book nearly 100 pages of statistics; graphs; notes; and references that the reader can consult to further understand his explanation of various topics. One of the main purposes of this book is to dispel the myths that are often associated with the 18th century British Navy. Throughout The Wooden World; Rodger addresses various myths and systematically counters them with supporting evidence. The image of a dirty British ship with a tyrannical commanding officer is addressed and dispelled; leaving the reader with a more plausible view of life aboard these ships. The seamen were well-fed and the conditions aboard the ships were quite clean compared to the stereotypical portrayal of British vessels. Rodger also describes the relationship between commanders and sailors as mutually beneficial; in that they both relied upon one another for survival at sea. He explains that violence amongst crew members was more likely to occur at port than at sea. The Wooden World also examines the type of men in the British Navy and the idea of forced service. Sailors in the British Navy have long been depicted as the dregs of society. The idea that violent criminals were often placed on board these ships is refuted by Rodger. Rodger argues that those who had criminal backgrounds and were placed onto British vessels were not violent offenders; but rather men who committed minor crimes. While addressing the notion of forced service; Rodger shows that this only occurred during times of war and not with the frequency of which it has been portrayed. N.A.M. Rodger has written a phenomenal book that is truly an “anatomy of the Georgian Navy.” It is complete with pages of statistics and graphs that the reader can consult and he examines areas that are not often studied; such as food consumption. While most works are only concerned with battles or campaigns; Rodger has provided a thorough examination of the British Navy as a whole.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An unusual and worthwhile historyBy John SullivanThis work is documented like an academic paper; but is in fact a fascinating review of the Royal Navy that fought; among other things; the American Revolution; its ships; its men (and boys); its leadership; its administration; its communications; just about everything but its tactics (which are well-covered in many another source). It DOES got on and on about some of that; but that just means it's time to skip to the next chapter; which may cover something of greater specific interest to you.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Wooden Ships on the water.....very free and easy.By David H. AlpertI have always been intrigued by nautical history; particularly in regards to the English navy during the 1700-1800's time period. I also am an avid model ship builder and am constantly seeking information that will help me construct better masted wooden ships such as Bounty or Constitution.Rodger's book titled 'The Wooden World:An Anatomy of the Georgian Navy' excells at giving a good insight into what the British Navy was really like and also at giving information that helps in the understanding of why the ships were built the way they were. This book is easy to read; yet packed with information about all aspects of life aboard British naval vessels during a time when sailing on warships was fraught with dangers that had little to do with actual sea battles themselves. Indeed; the author emphasizes that death and illness were common in the the British navy; but usually for reasons unrelated to actual combat. He also makes it quite clear that for many; life aboard these ships was far better and safer than what they might have had on land. While Patrick O'Brian's novels give excellent views of British naval life; this book does it without need of a plot or story.