Public-domain ebook
Language: en7,934 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Pirates, Buccaneers, Corsairs, etc.·History - European·History - Ancient
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #25088.
The work is a historical survey of naval warfare, concentrating on the great sea battles that shaped the Mediterranean from the sixteenth‑century clash at Lepanto through later engagements such as Salamis and Tsu‑Shima. It opens with a richly detailed prelude that sets the Ottoman Empire’s rise as a maritime menace, describing the capture of Gallipoli, the fall of Constantinople, and the relentless piracy that plagued Christian shipping for centuries. The author then moves to the political and strategic context of the 1571 Holy League, recounting the diplomatic wrangling among Venice, Spain, and the Papacy that finally produced a massive fleet of galleys and sailing ships. This introductory passage blends geographic description, technical notes on galley rigging, and vivid accounts of sieges and betrayals, establishing a broad canvas for the ensuing battle narratives.
Written in a formal, nineteenth‑century prose style, the book reflects the scholarly tone of its era, with long sentences, extensive footnote‑like asides, and a focus on military and diplomatic detail rather than personal drama. Readers who enjoy dense, source‑based histories of early modern naval tactics, the interplay of European powers, and the grim realities of Mediterranean piracy will find it rewarding. It especially appeals to students of maritime history, military enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the complex forces that drove the great sea confrontations from antiquity to the age of sail.
The opening · free to read
THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR Frontispiece From an engraving by W. Miller from the painting by C. Stanfield, R.A.
FACING PAGE ROMAN WARSHIPS 32 After the paintings found at Pompeii.
A VIKING FLEET 48 From a drawing by Paul Hardy. By permission of Cassell and Co.
A MEDITERRANEAN GALLEY OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY 67 From an engraving by J. P. le Bas, Mediterranean Craft of the Sixteenth Century.
A MEDITERRANEAN CARRACK OR FRIGATE OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY 67 From an engraving by Tomkins, Mediterranean Craft of the Sixteenth Century.
GALLEYS OF THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA IN ACTION WITH TURKISH GALLEYS 80 From an engraving at the British Museum.
THE "GREAT ARMADA" ENTERING THE CHANNEL 112 From the drawing of W. H. Overend. By permission of the Illustrated London News.
THE "SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS," LAUNCHED 1637 144 A typical warship of the middle of the seventeenth century. After the painting by Vandervelde.
GUNS AND CARRONADES IN USE IN THE BRITISH NAVY IN THE LATTER PART OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 158 From drawings at the British Museum.
A THREE-DECKER OF NELSON'S TIME 173 From an engraving at the British Museum.
H.M.S. "WARRIOR"--THE FIRST BRITISH IRONCLAD 212 From a photograph by Symonds and Co.
THE BATTLE OF HAMPTON ROADS. THE "MERRIMAC" AND "MONITOR" ENGAGED AT CLOSE QUARTERS 224 From Cassier's Magazine, by permission of the Editor.
THE RUSSIAN BATTLESHIP "OREL" 330 From a photograph taken after the battle of Tsu-Shima, showing effects of Japanese shell fire.
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