The Bottom Line
A nautical kaleidoscope of life and death, with many quirky facts mixed amongst tales of horrific disasters, miraculous escapes, brave actions and black humour. You won't be rushing to sea though!
Pros
- Over a thousand ships reported.
- Fascinating reading, with plenty of great detail.
Cons
- Needs a better glossary.
- Hard to use as a reference book.
Description
- 430 pages, including appendices, glossary and bibliography.
- Published by Chatham .
- ISBN: 1861760302.
Guide Review - Shipwrecks of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Eras by Terence Grocott
The product of seven years research, Shipwrecks of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Eras lists over 1500 naval incidences which, contrary to the volume's title, aren't all shipwrecks: notable events like heroic defences are also reported. Military, merchant and civilian craft of all sizes have been included, and the resulting text is far more interesting than the title may suggest. Rather than being a dry list of shipwrecks, Grocott had included contemporary accounts which wrap most events in context and narrative. Consequently, each 'shipwreck' is a tiny story and Shipwrecks itself is a massive patchwork of life, adventure and death.
