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Rating: 
Summary: Good starting point
Review: I am a newcomer to the world of Aubrey and Maturin, and like a novice I have found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the overwhelming amount of nautical and naval detail contained in the book. I sought this book out because I thought it might help make that world a bit clearer. To a very large extent, this handsome though slender volume did the trick. The book provides a to-the-point introduction to the world of naval combat during the Napoleonic age, and I definitely have a clearer idea of the kinds of ships that were around at that time. I read through the book once, and I anticipate going to it again as I work my way through the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin volumes (I'm currently nearing the end of H.M.S. SURPRISE, the third book). Despite having learned from the book, I was somewhat disappointed that it didn't cover more. I can think of two chapters that I would very much have profited from. The first would have been a chapter dealing with the "stuff" of a ship. This volume does this slightly in talking of the sailing rig of a typical boat, but I would have liked more detail. What weight was the rope used on these boats and was it hemp? Where did they store extra rope. How did they deal with the water needs of the ship's inhabitants, how much was allotted to a sailor each day, and how often did they need to resupply water and food? The second chapter that I would have liked to see would have been one on the mechanics of sailing. I am not a sailor, and have never been on a sailboat (despite living in Chicago alongside Lake Michigan). I would have benefited enormously from a chapter explaining how a ship of the British navy moved about on the water. Navigating ships is a major feature of the novels, and I would very much have loved more explanation of how this is done. I'm sure many books deal with this, but this volume's lacking this means that it is not a one-book-deals-with-all resource. I was also somewhat saddened that there wasn't some larger discussion of surgical practice on a ship, perhaps a selection of surgical instruments, though I must admit that the title refers only to Aubrey, not Maturin. Despite the rather circumscribed subject matter of the book, this is a very helpful introduction to anyone like myself who knows little about the early 19th century British navy and would like to learn more. The book itself is very attractively done, and the illustrations are great. There is a host of great photographs of ships. I especially like the few occasions when ships were depicted that had appeared in the novels I have read so far. In short, this is a very fine little book, but I'm not sure that an Aubrey/Maturin fan couldn't do better.
Rating:
Summary: Very good, but could have offered a bit more
Review: I am a newcomer to the world of Aubrey and Maturin, and like a novice I have found myself somewhat overwhelmed by the overwhelming amount of nautical and naval detail contained in the book. I sought this book out because I thought it might help make that world a bit clearer. To a very large extent, this handsome though slender volume did the trick. The book provides a to-the-point introduction to the world of naval combat during the Napoleonic age, and I definitely have a clearer idea of the kinds of ships that were around at that time. I read through the book once, and I anticipate going to it again as I work my way through the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin volumes (I'm currently nearing the end of H.M.S. SURPRISE, the third book). Despite having learned from the book, I was somewhat disappointed that it didn't cover more. I can think of two chapters that I would very much have profited from. The first would have been a chapter dealing with the "stuff" of a ship. This volume does this slightly in talking of the sailing rig of a typical boat, but I would have liked more detail. What weight was the rope used on these boats and was it hemp? Where did they store extra rope. How did they deal with the water needs of the ship's inhabitants, how much was allotted to a sailor each day, and how often did they need to resupply water and food? The second chapter that I would have liked to see would have been one on the mechanics of sailing. I am not a sailor, and have never been on a sailboat (despite living in Chicago alongside Lake Michigan). I would have benefited enormously from a chapter explaining how a ship of the British navy moved about on the water. Navigating ships is a major feature of the novels, and I would very much have loved more explanation of how this is done. I'm sure many books deal with this, but this volume's lacking this means that it is not a one-book-deals-with-all resource. I was also somewhat saddened that there wasn't some larger discussion of surgical practice on a ship, perhaps a selection of surgical instruments, though I must admit that the title refers only to Aubrey, not Maturin. Despite the rather circumscribed subject matter of the book, this is a very helpful introduction to anyone like myself who knows little about the early 19th century British navy and would like to learn more. The book itself is very attractively done, and the illustrations are great. There is a host of great photographs of ships. I especially like the few occasions when ships were depicted that had appeared in the novels I have read so far. In short, this is a very fine little book, but I'm not sure that an Aubrey/Maturin fan couldn't do better.
Rating:
Summary: The real history in the story
Review: Specific in subject, this book illustrates the past naval environment in which the novels of Partick O'Brian are set. Focusing on just the elements that relate to the Aubrey/Maturin story. In the first couple chapters it describes a variety of historical ships used basically in the wars between 1793 and 1815. How they where classified in rates, highlighting a few key happenings in the life of each vessel. Then necessities of sailing are elaborated upon as well as naval weapons and uniforms in the later part of the book. The short and final few chapters deal with Other Naval Powers in opposition to the Royal Navy as well as Privateers and Pirates. Significant ships, countries, events and the Letter of Marque are mainly what occupy the text here. The book exhibits many wonderful color pictures. For quick reference there are charts, a diagram labeling the sails of a ship, and ship profile info squared off separately from the text throughout the pages. Probably what is greatly valuable is the Glossary of Nautical Terms. The information provided is the basics, but it still remains quite educational for the novice. The entire book makes a nice direct guide to the old maritime world surrounding our Captain Jack Aubrey character.
Rating: 
Summary: A good book, but needs editing
Review: This slim volume is very attractively put together. The layout is pleasing, and the many photos and historical paintings are easily the best part of the book. Past that, though, the quality drops off.
The text is reasonably well written, but doesn't always flow well. Often you'll turn the page and be surprised that the chapter is over. Or you'll read fairly detailed information on one subject, yet find gaps in others. For instance, there is a detailed chart of the actual weight of cannon shot depending on the nationality of its manufacture. This is interesting, but seems oddly out of place. In many places the book feels like a hastily organized jumble of facts. A bit more effort, and the services of a decent editor, would have improved this book.
Another improvement that could have been made by an editor is the removal of numerous typos and glitches. On one page, two illustrations have their captions transposed. In many other places obvious typos are present. If I can catch them by reading the book once, they shouldn't be there.
Perhaps the worst flaw of this book is its incompleteness. It's missing a serious discussion of how ships were sailed, information on battle tactics, and recurring locales from the novels. Worse, the book uses terms that it never explains. For instance, the caption of one illustration mentions that the bowsprit gammoning is ommitted for clarity. But gammoning is not in the glossary. (As it turns out, if you google for "bowsprit gammoning" you'll find an amazing online reference, geared towards model ship builders, with more detail than you can shake a stick at) The book is filled with such omissions. I'm pretty familiar with nautical terminology, but I'd worry for someone who got this book as their only reference.
Overall, I enjoyed the book; I received it as a gift and am happy with it. The numerous contemporary illustrations and photos of actual items are a joy, and the book did contain facts that I had not previously been aware of. However, as a reference book, it is somewhat lacking.
Rating:
Summary: Good starting point
Review: Very helpful in filling in background to the Aubrey/Maturin series only too brief (only 80 pages). This book is a good place to start acquiring info on the subject matter of the books, especially if you are a hopeless lubber like myself.
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