The Naval Chronicle

The Naval Chronicle, published in 40 volumes between 1799 and 1818, is a key source for British maritime and military history. This reissue is the first complete printed reproduction of what was the most influential maritime publication of its day. The subjects covered range from accounts of battles and lists of ships to notices of promotions and marriages, courts martial and deaths, and biographies, poetry and letters. Each volume also contains engravings and charts relating to naval engagements and important harbours around the world. Volume 34 (1815) describes the immediate aftermath of Waterloo, with rapid cuts to the Navy, and protests by unemployed sailors. It includes a fascinating description of the exiled Napoleon's entourage when he was brought to England to learn his fate, and the conditions of his imprisonment. The Cape of Good Hope Station was re-established to patrol the Atlantic to prevent his escape from St. Helena.