Fighting at Sea in the Eighteenth Century

‘A superb piece of work…meticulously researched and very readable. The illustrations add a touch of class to what is already a very classy book. Willis has done for the practical battle tactics of the Sailing Navy what N.A.M. Rodger did for the naval social history of the period in The Wooden World… A truly ground-breaking book which should certainly be required reading for anyone who is thinking of writing about the battles of the sailing era from now on.’

Dr Colin White, Director, Royal Naval Museum, Portsmouth – On Fighting at Sea

‘His book is likely to become a classic…it combines great originality, deep research, and clear, accessible writing….the most striking characteristic of the book is its refusal to accept conventional wisdom…Willis is peerless. Not a page is wasted and virtually everything he writes is fascinating and provocative. This indeed is a wonderful book. Anyone interested in warships should have it on his or her bookshelf for frequent consultation’

Jonathan Dull in The Northern Mariner/Le Marin du Nord – On Fighting At Sea

‘This book has much to offer and its explanation of the weather gage and the misunderstandings that have become attached to it is eye-opening…[an] excellent account.’

The Mariner’s Mirror – On Fighting at Sea

‘Is sure to become the standard reference on naval tactics in the Napoleonic era [and] is enthusiastically recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in this aspect of naval history.’

International Journal of Maritime History

‘As a reference work for what these ships were like, how they handled at sea, and how naval officers sought to capitalize on these material constraints for both offensive and defensive purposes, Fighting at Sea is not likely to be surpassed any time soon.’

Journal of British Studies

‘An excellent historical handbook with much to tell modern readers about military command. Highly recommended.’

Choice

‘[A] superbly researched book [which] contains high-quality maps, many excellent illustrations, and an essential glossary, all of which give a better understanding of Willis’s argument.’

United States Naval Institute