Eighteenth-Century Naval Officers

Beschreibung

This book surveys the lives and careers of naval officers across Europe at the height of the age of sail. It traces the professionalization of naval officers by exploring their preparation for life at sea and the challenges they faced while in command. It also demonstrates the uniqueness of the maritime experience, as long voyages and isolation at sea cemented their bond with naval officers across Europe while separating them from landlubbers. It depicts, in a way no previous study has, the parameters of their shared experiences—both the similarities that crossed national boundaries and connected officers, and the differences that can only be seen from an international perspective.
This book surveys the lives and careers of naval officers across Europe at the height of the age of sail. It traces the professionalization of naval officers by exploring their preparation for life at sea and the challenges they faced while in command. It also demonstrates the uniqueness of the maritime experience, as long voyages and isolation at sea cemented their bond with naval officers across Europe while separating them from landlubbers. It depicts, in a way no previous study has, the parameters of their shared experiences—both the similarities that crossed national boundaries and connected officers, and the differences that can only be seen from an international perspective.

Fits neatly into a burgeoning field of naval history that looks beyond traditional narratives Includes a selection of leading scholars in relevant fields Brings together and synthesises a series of contrasting case studies

Autor*in

Evan Wilson

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Maritime History Naval History Seafaring Naval Profession Professionalisation

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“This book will appeal to those interested in naval officer development, in the context of growing centralized state control. Social historians will appreciate the effort to explore the social background of officers, their path within each nation’s navy, and their standing in society.” (Thomas Malcomson, The Northern Mariner, cnrs-scrn.org, Vol. 30 (1), 2020)

“It ought to be rare if not impossible to write naval history bounded by a single country or a single language. Unfortunately it is rather the rule than the exception. In assembling comparative studies of the officer corps of the major navies of the 18th century, the contributors to this volume have done something so obvious and so important that it is astonishing that no-one has ever attempted it before. If there was ever an excuse for this shameful neglect, it exists no longer.” (N.A.M. Rodger, Emeritus Fellow, All Souls College, University of Oxford, UK)

“The overwhelming figure of Admiral Nelson and his time dominates the average readers’ understanding of the age of sail. So what a relief it is to read a book that finally tells us about officers in other navies! Let us hope that other researchers will follow in the wake of the contributors to this book and choose an international and comparative approach to naval history.” (Søren Nørby, Assistant Professor, Royal Danish Defence College, Denmark)

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