Praise For…
“[A] rollicking narrative…[An] absorbing and original book…Superb”—Ben Wilson,
Times“There is much in Taylor’s book. It is interesting to see how pragmatically humane the navy could be, particularly in peacetime.”—David Mills,
Sunday Times“Smyth excels at presenting singable versions of beloved repertoire . . . highly recommended.”—Craig Edwards,
WoodenBoat Review “Taylor is masterful, capturing moments or sensations in a way that few historians can equal … Sons of the Waves will become a classic. Beautifully written and easy to read, based on original, virtually unknown memoirs, it is filled with insights and experiences of the common sailor that both confirm and defy modern assumptions.” —Frederick C. Leiner,
US Naval Institute History Magazine Certificate of Merit, Mounbatten Book Prize awards, 2020
"An excellent book, combining an original approach to the subject with original research. Jack Tar, the quintessential British hero, emerges from this collective biography as a self-confident fellow, part of the collective body that sustained national prosperity, security and power.”—Andrew Lambert, author of
Nelson"This enthusiastic account gives a vivid picture of life below decks in the era of the sailing navy. It is a classic of its kind, brimful with riotous episodes and gripping anecdotes anchored in detailed research."—Margarette Lincoln, author of Trading in War
"The Royal Navy had some great leaders but what made their achievements possible was the thousands of unknown and unheard-from seamen who manned these vessels. This book starts the exploration of those fascinating lives."—Sir Robin Knox-Johnston