Review: Eavesdropping on Jane Austen’s England by Roy Adkins & Lesley Adkins – Historic Naval Fiction

In their book Jack Tar: Life in Nelson’s Navy Roy & Lesley Adkins explored the life of the ordinary sailor in the ships of the Napoleonic wars, but what was life like when they were ashore and for their families left behind? Naval fiction books will often depict the shore life of officers and their servants but the life of the ordinary seaman is usually restricted to visiting inns and brothels. In their new book, Eavesdropping on Jane Austen’s England: How Our Ancestors Lived Two Centuries Ago Roy & Lesley explore what life ashore was really like for all sections of society.

The book makes extensive use of personal letters, diaries and manuscripts of the time, Jane Austen’s being the most famous, to provide a detailed view of the everyday existence and experiences of the population. To explore the differences between the classes the book is divided into sections which explore each aspect such as “Wedding Bells”, “Sermons and Superstitions” and “Leisure and Pleasure”. The world of young people is also covered in “Toddler to Teenager”

This is an authoritative work which gave me a real insight into the day to day lives that produced and supported our seamen or the vast industries that provided the ships and supplies. It will become required reading for anyone interested in Georgian life and for prospective authors of novels set in the period. Recommended

via Review: Eavesdropping on Jane Austen’s England by Roy Adkins & Lesley Adkins – Historic Naval Fiction.

‘A Sea of Troubles’ Paperback now available for order – Historic Naval Fiction

The Paperback version of A Sea of Troubles by David Donachie is now available for pre-order worldwide. It is due to be published in 25 November 2013 in the UK and on 15 February 2014 in the US.

via ‘A Sea of Troubles’ Paperback now available for order – Historic Naval Fiction.

A new trilogy from Joan Druett – Historic Naval Fiction

What could be better news than a new book from award winning maritime historian and novelist Joan Druett? Well three books actually. Released together for kindle are the three books of the Promise of Gold trilogy, Judas Island, Calafia’s Kingdom, and Dearest Enemy.

This release also marks Joan’s move to a new publisher, Old Salt Press, an independent press catering to those who love books about ships and the sea. They are an association of writers working together to produce the very best of nautical and maritime fiction and non-fiction. Old Salt Press was launched by author and well know maritime blogger Rick Spilman.

Incidentally, Old Salt Press have announced that, to celebrate the publication of Joan Druett’s Promise of Gold trilogy, starting May 15th and running through Sunday, May 19th, Rick Spilman’s Hell Around the Horn will be free on Kindle. From May 18 – 20, Joan Druett’s The Beckoning Ice will be free and from May 21 – 23, Joan’s A Love of Adventure will be also be free. Some truly great fiction free! and an opportunity not to be missed.

via A new trilogy from Joan Druett – Historic Naval Fiction.

Lone Star Rising: T.S. Wasp and the Heart of Texas (PB/K) – Historic Naval Fiction

Jason Vail recently released a new novel in his alternate US history series, Lone Star Rising: T.S. Wasp and the Heart of Texas, which is available in paperback worldwide and for download on Kindle.

British forces spread across the rebellious colonies, crushing all resistance now that George Washington is dead and the American army is dispersed.

But defeat is merely a reckoning postponed. A few die-hards flee west into the Tennessee and the unsettled wilderness beyond the frontiers of British control, where after many years a leader arises among them, Andrew Jackson.

Yet the British cannot ignore these upstarts, and Banastre Tarleton eventually arrives to crush them as well. Those who survive, lead by Jackson, escape into the Spanish Empire — to Texas.

via Lone Star Rising: T.S. Wasp and the Heart of Texas (PB/K) – Historic Naval Fiction.

The Spanish Armada (HC/K) – Historic Naval Fiction

A new book by Robert Hutchinson, The Spanish Armada, was released last month in hardcover and for Kindle.

After the accession of Elizabeth I in 1558, Protestant England was beset by the hostile Catholic powers of Europe – not least Spain. In October 1585 King Philip II of Spain declared his intention to destroy Protestant England and began preparing invasion plans, leading to an intense intelligence war between the two countries, culminating in the dramatic sea battles of 1588.

Robert Hutchinson’s tautly written book is the first to examine this battle for intelligence, and uses everything from contemporary eye-witness accounts to papers held by the national archives in Spain and the UK to recount the dramatic battle that raged up the English Channel. Contrary to popular theory, the Armada was not defeated by superior English forces – in fact, Elizabeth I’s parsimony meant that her ships had no munitions left by the time the Armada had fought its way up to the south coast of England. In reality it was a combination of inclement weather and bad luck that landed the killer blow on the Spanish forces, and of the 125 Spanish ships that set sail against England, only 60 limped home – the rest sunk or wrecked with barely a shot fired.

via The Spanish Armada (HC/K) – Historic Naval Fiction.