We are delighted to announce that the first books in our A History of the Royal Navy series are now available.

Providing a complete history of the Royal Navy from its creation to the present day, and published in association with the National Museum for the Royal Navy, these books are written by experienced naval historians and feature the latest cutting-edge research, as well as many illustrations from the museum’s collections. Written for a general readership, they are the first port-of-call for anyone interested in naval history, or anyone new to the subject who wishes to understand the pivotal role that the Navy has played in Britain’s history.

Find out more about the series at www.ibtauris.com/royalnavy.

Out Now

The Royal Navy:
A History Since 1900

Duncan Redford and Philip D. Grove

Since 1900, the Royal Navy has seen vast operational changes. This book tells the story, not just of victory and defeat, but also of how the Navy has adjusted to a century of rapid technological and social change. In World War I and World War II, the navy played a central role, with unrestricted submarine warfare and supply blockades becoming an integral part of combat. However it was the development of nuclear and missile technology during the Cold War era which drastically changed the face of naval warfare – today the navy can launch sea-based strikes across thousands of miles to reach targets deep inland. This book places the wars and battles fought by the navy – from Jutland to the Falklands – within a wider context, looking at political, economic, social and cultural issues, as well as providing a thorough operational history.

A History of the Royal Navy:
The Napoleonic Wars

Martin Robson

The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars were the first truly global conflicts. The Royal Navy was a key player in the wars and the key enabler of British success. The most iconic battles of any era were fought at sea – from the Battle of the Nile in 1798 to Nelson’s momentous victory at Trafalgar in October 1805. This book looks at the history of the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from a broad perspective, examining the strategy, operations and tactics of British seapower. While it delves into the details of Royal Navy operations such as battle, blockade, commerce protection and exploration, it also covers a myriad of other aspects often overlooked in narrative histories including the importance of naval logistics, transport, relations with the army and manning.

A History of the Royal Navy:
World War II

Duncan Redford

The Royal Navy’s operations in World War II started on 3 September 1939 and continued until the surrender of Japan in August 1945. The navy played a central role in the evacuation of the retreating British army at Dunkirk, and later orchestrated the sinking of Germany’s mighty battleship and Hitler’s pride, the Bismarck. Without the Royal Navy’s attention to the defence of Britain’s seaborne trade there would not have been food for the country, fuel for the RAF’s operations or supplies to keep the army fighting in Europe, North Africa and the Far East. Yet the outstanding naval contribution to Britain’s survival and eventual victory came at a heavy cost in terms of ships and to the men who had to face not just the violence of the enemy, but also the violence of the sea. This book argues that World War II was, effectively, a maritime war; it was the Royal Navy’s war.

Details about all forthcoming books in the series can be found at www.ibtauris.com/royalnavy