Jeremy Black considers how the ocean affected British exploration, defence, trade, commerce & the role of the navy, as well as the attitudes & perceptions of the British people themselves.

The story of our navy is nothing less than the story of Britain, our culture and our empire. Much more than a parade of admirals and their battles, this is the story of how an insignificant island nation conquered the world's oceans to become its greatest trading empire. Yet, as Ben Wilson shows, there was nothing inevitable about this rise to maritime domination, nor was it ever an easy path.

This illustrated history tells the fascinating story of how the Navy was organized, how its ships were built and how the ordinary sailor lived in times of battle and of peace. The text is supported by photographs and maps.

On a mid-summer's day in 1919, the interned German Grand Fleet was scuttled by their crews at Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands. This book describes the biggest salvage operation ever undertaken, and the role played by Ernest Cox, a Wolverhampton-born scrap merchant.

From the Battle of the River Plate and Dunkirk to D-Day and the Pacific War, the memories of the men who took part in each campaign are vividly clear. Both the surviving naval VC holders tell their amazing stories.

The Sea Warriors is the true story of the great sea captains of the late 18th century and early 19th century who spent long, arduous years away from their homes fighting for king and country, to win and hold control of the seas

Drawing on personal letters and papers, this title spans the naval career of William Hargood, as he rose from humble midshipman to the captain of one of the most powerful warships of the day at Trafalgar.

Faced with a ship in need of repair, enemy attacks and the threat of wily Admiral Hotham, John Pearce is sailing into danger. Meanwhile Ralph Barclay is on his way to the Mediterranean. Thinking his wife still with Pearce and that he can repair his marriage by rescuing her, he sails in pursuit, Hotham half-hoping he suffers the same fate as the admiral has in store for Pearce. Can John Pearce fight to first save himself and his charges from captivity...

This biography charts Nelson's career from childhood to his debut as a public hero after the breathtaking victory against the French at Cape St Vincent, when he became an admiral and stood on the verge of international fame.

On the eve of Waterloo, a sense of finality and cautious hope pervade a nation wearied by decades of war. But peace will present its own challenge to Adam Bolitho, captain of His Majesty's Ship Unrivalled, as many of his contemporaries face the prospect of discharge.