William James's Naval History is one of the most valuable works in the English language on the operation of the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. James corresponded widely with the survivors of the events he describes. By carefully evaluating and balancing conflicting reports and testimonies, he achieved an accuracy often lacking in later studies. The original five volumes were published in 1822 -- 24, with a six-volume edition appearing in 1826. Previously, the work has only been available to scholars through specialist libraries. This new hardcover edition, with an introduction by the noted naval historian Andrew Lambert as well as an index for each volume, provides both scholars and maritime enthusiasts an accessible and affordable edition of this important work. Illustrated with charts, diagrams, and images, the work remains an essential source for all those who are interested in the operation of the Royal Navy in this period.

"Edward Pelham Brenton (1774-1830) himself served in the Royal Navy during most of the period under review, reaching the rank of post-captain, and was the brother of Admiral Sir Jahleel Brenton, American-born loyalist who served in the Swedish navy against Russia and was wrecked and taken prisoner in France during the Napoleonic Wars. Brenton writes of the immortals of British naval history as of peers, and often his information comes first hand or at least from intimates of those who were there."--abebooks website.