Publisher: 9.95 £ 9.95
I looked forward to reading this book. Written by a sailor in Nelson’s navy, I hoped it would fill the gaps left by the novelists of the period. I was not disappointed for undistracted by the grand events on which the latter concentrate, Gardner gives us a picture of the lives of those who sailed the ships.
Chapter by ship, directly but fairly, his anecdotes include the humorous, the gruesome, the tragic and the farcical. Everyone onboard has a “story” to contribute – even the women who appear as wives (of carpenters and captains). The working of the ships is alluded to, from on-board shops to sail manoeuvres. At the end of each chapter a list provides the end story for the characters. Most are dead by the time Gardner came to write the memoirs - in fights, shipwreck, by liquor and madness. Exciting but dangerous and hard times. You too will not be disappointed by making this book part of your maritime reading experience. - SM
Page prepared 4 May 2000