Resources for the Early 19th century Royal Navy

**Dayman** · August 13, 2009, 03:35 AM

I'm getting into the Aubrey-Maturin series of books, and I'm totally sucked in. I love it, I'm about 4/5ths the way through Master & Commander. But the naval terminology, the slang, the nicknames, and just some of the turn-of-the-19th century manners of speech are a bit difficult. I know their are books out there for this purpose, and I intend on buying them, but right now I'd like to be able to find a website that has this kind of stuff on there.

Can any of you help me?

**Alkarin** · August 13, 2009, 03:39 AM

is this what your looking for?
http://www.navy.mil/navydata/traditi.../navyterm.html

**Dayman** · August 13, 2009, 03:44 AM

That helps, but it's not everything. I need to know about ranks, parts of ships, types of ships, etc.

**Alkarin** · August 13, 2009, 03:46 AM

hmm. I have a book right next to me with all that...but i kind of cant send that to you

**Dayman** · August 13, 2009, 03:49 AM

You suck

I'm planning on going to Barnes & Noble tomorrow so maybe I'll find one there.

**Alkarin** · August 13, 2009, 03:53 AM

most likely. They have alot of good books on the subject. wish you luck!

**Yorkshireman** · August 13, 2009, 06:38 AM

This link here has definitions of expressions used in the Patrick O'Brian novels. (I think its part of a fan site)

http://www.io.com/gibbonsb/words.words.words.html

The official Patrick O'Brian site has some links for naval history of that time period.

http://www.wwnorton.com/pob/webships.htm

Full rank structure and much more. Google books, "The Illustrated Companion to Nelsons Navy."

http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=5...age&q=&f=false

Glossary of nautical terms. (19thC)

http://www.dearmissmermaid.com/nauti...terms%201.html

**Delta228** · August 13, 2009, 09:58 AM

Sorry, can't help much on the websites, but if you are looking for a great book about the RN, check out "Command of the Ocean" by N.A.M. Rodger.

He has written a 3 part series chronicling the origins and history of the RN from around 1066 (i think) to the modern times. "Part 2", which is the one it sounds like you will be most interested in, is subtitled "A Naval History of Britain, 1649-1815". It's a great read if you want to understand how the RN of Nelson was created, its first battles and leaders etc.

It's a bit thick, about 500 pages of text, with about 300 pages of appendices, pictures and terminology in the back, but it holds your attention pretty well. I went into the book only interested in Nelson and the Napoleonic War, but found myself enthralled with the wars against the Dutch and Spanish in the 17th and 18th centuries. Anyway, just a recomendation.

Also, look into the Hornblower series, because they are similar, but more approachable (imo) than the Aubrey-Maturin books.

Good luck.