book cover of Masters Under God
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Masters Under God

(2009)
Makers of Empire 1817-1884
(The third book in the History of the British Merchant Navy series)
A non fiction book by

 
 
1815, Napoleon is smashed on the soils of Belgium, and for a century, the British Navy and Mercantile Marine rule the waves.

Europe is entering the age of enlightenment, and the once strong trade ties amongst the British Empire begin to strain. The East India Company loses its monopoly on India and enters a trade war with China.

Peace-time brings with it the fruits of conquest and Britain's 'savage wars of peace' embroil Burma and South Africa.

The Crimean and Boer Wars broadcast Britain's ability to convey its rule to distant theatres - while crushing rebellions in the West Indies and Sri Lanka.

And the United States is ensnared in bloody Civil War giving Britain an unrivalled hold on the Atlantic and its colonies in the Americas.

Meanwhile, Britain's industrial revolution ushers a new force which 'defies nature by proceeding against wind, waves and tide' without the aid of sail - the age of the steamship has arrived.

The century between the end of the Napoleonic War and the outbreak of the First World War was indubitably 'British' - with her navies and ship-owners were eager to seize any opportunities that were offered.

Continuing his series on the history of Britain's merchant marine, Richard Woodman provides this insightful volume on the period from 1817 to 1884, embracing in its pages a study of trade, war, and Britain's fragile hold on its Empire.

Through impeccable research and detailed study, he has provided a comprehensive work of naval history told in a lively and entertaining narrative.

In this volume, Woodman also uncovers the history of the nations in turmoil, annexation and Independence, and the looming spectre of the First World War.

Praise for Richard Woodman's 'History of the British Merchant Navy':

'Richard Woodman reminds us of the importance of merchant ships and our debts to the seafarers - men and women - who manned.' HRH Princess Anne

'If Neptune's Trident sets the standard for what is to follow - we can at least rest assured that there is a series that truly does justice to our proud merchant maritime past.' Nautilus UK Telegraph



'Richard Woodman tells many a good tale in this first volume and it is fascinating to read. I highly recommend this first volume in the Neptune s Trident for anyone with an interest in the early modern period. If the rest of the series is as good as this one, they should all be on the bookshelves of those studying the history of Britain, from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries.' Open History


Captain Richard Martin Woodman LVO is an English novelist and naval historian who retired in 1997 from a 37 year nautical career, mainly working for Trinity House, to write full-time. His main work is 14 volumes about the career of Nathaniel Drinkwater, and shorter series about James Dunbar and William Kite, but he also written a range of factual books about 18th century and WW2 history.



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