Frigate Surprise  Line of Battle  Ship of the Line  Seamanship in Age of Sail

The Frigate Surprise Brian Lavery & Geoff Hunt, Conway Maritime, ISBN 978-1844-860746 There is no more famous vessel in naval fiction than HMS Surprise. This 28 gun frigate also had a most eventful real career serving in both the French and then the Royal Navy following her capture by HMS Inconstant in 1796. She was decommissioned in 1802 and delivered to the fictional captaincy of Jack Aubrey. This lavishly-illustrated book is a collaboration between naval historian Brian Lavery and marine painter Geoff Hunt and not only reveals the complete career history (both historical and fictional) but presents an all-embracing construction and fitting history. Collectors of fine sea books will be interested to note that a Limited Edition of the book is available.

The Line of Battle, The Sailing Warship 1650-1840 Robert Gardiner Ed, Conway Maritime, ISBN 0-85177-954-9 Re‑released in large‑format paperback, this is the best‑selling title in Conway's authoritative series "History of the Ship". Although purpose‑built fighting ships had existed earlier, the principal characteristics of the classic sailing ship were only defined in the mid‑seventeenth century. Each chapter in "The Line of Battle" is by recognised experts in the field, including Karl Heinz Marquardt (the fore and aft rigged warship); Brian Lavery (the ship of the line); and Robert Gardiner (guns and gunnery).

The Ship of the Line Brian Lavery, Conway Maritime, ISBN 0851 772 528   This is the first of a two-volume study, regarded as the definitive work in the area. It outlines the history and technical development of the battle fleet from 1650 to 1850. The second volume deals with hull design and construction, rigging, armament and fittings.

Seamanship in the Age of Sail  John Harland, Conway Maritime ISBN 0 85177 179 3   When Julian is asked what books he suggests for people to learn more about Kydd's world, he generally recommends Lavery's Nelson's Navy and John Harland's Seamanship in the Age of Sail. Harland's work came out in 1984, and is a classic of its type. Every aspect of handling a man-of-war is detailed and illustrated with superb line drawings by Mark Myers and the book is designed by Geoff Hunt. A definitive guide as to how the ships of Kydd's day were actually sailed.

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