TomSlade wrote:
Hi I am interested in learning more about the era of Napoleonic Naval warfare. Does anyone have suggestions of good books to read on this subject
I already own books on who fought where, who won/lost, and also the development and design of these ships. However what I really want is learn about is the nuts and bolts of how they operated and what they where like to sail. How did these ships handle. What speed they could do under all points of sail. How long would it take to tack, how many men required to do this. Any ideas for a good read?
I don't know of any factual books, but for excellent fictional stories, which many times refer to ships handling, speed, etc., I highly reccommend two series:
The Aubrey-Martin series by Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander was the first book in the series. The movie was a conglomoration of various books in that series) The Hornblower series by C.S. Forrester. These were not written in order, but I'd start with Mr. Midshipman Hornblower.
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