Sons of the Waves: The Common Seaman in the Heroic Age of Sail

Stephen Taylor's book "The Wooden World of Jack Tar" provides a compelling account of the history of the common seaman in the age of sail, highlighting their role in Britain's trade, exploration, and warfare. The sailors are portrayed as proud and spirited individuals who played a vital role in British prosperity and expansion, from exploring the South Seas with Cook to establishing the East India Company.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

The common seaman in the age of sail played a crucial role in Britain's trade, exploration, and warfare, yet their stories have often been overlooked in favor of the more prominent officers. In his book, "Sons of the Waves: The Common Seaman in British Maritime History," Stephen Taylor seeks to rectify this by presenting these men in their own words, drawing on published and unpublished memoirs, letters, and naval records.

What emerges from Taylor's account is a portrait of ordinary seamen as proud and spirited individuals, who were far from the hapless victims of press gangs. They possessed a remarkable level of knowledge and education, learned through their own experiences at sea and through informal means. These seamen had strong opinions and the courage to challenge authority, standing out from their less adventurous compatriots.

Taylor's book demonstrates how the sailor was the engine of British prosperity and expansion up to the Industrial Revolution. From the exploration of the South Seas with Cook to the establishment of the East India Company as a global corporation, from the sea battles that made Britain a superpower to the crisis of the 1797 mutinies, these sons of the waves held the nation's destiny in their calloused hands.

The book also sheds light on the social and economic conditions that these seamen faced. They worked long hours in dangerous conditions, often for low pay and with little recognition. However, they remained resilient and proud of their profession, forming strong bonds with their fellow sailors and communities.

In conclusion, "Sons of the Waves" is a brilliant telling of the history of the common seaman in the age of sail, and their role in Britain's trade, exploration, and warfare. By presenting these men in their own words, Taylor restores their voice and reveals their remarkable contributions to the nation's history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in British maritime history and the lives of ordinary men who played a vital role in shaping the course world.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300257519