The remarkable story of how a handful of daring scientific sailors supported Britain's naval supremacy in the conflict with Napoleon. During the Napoleonic Wars, more than twice as many British warships were lost to shipwrecks than in battles. The Royal Navy fleets had to operate in unknown seas and dangerous coastal areas, where navigational ignorance was as serious a threat as enemy guns. If Britain were to win the war, improved information was vital.

In this definitive narrative, Michael Barritt reveals how a team of expert explorers led by Captain Thomas Hurd enabled Britain's Hydrographic Office to meet this need. Gauging the risks at the forefront of conflict, with care for any changes in weather or the appearance of waves, these daring navigators gathered critical strategic data that ultimately secured the advantage against Britain's rivals. Following this course of exploration around Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, Barritt shows how the cultivation of this skill set revolutionized British strategy in warfare at sea—ultimately ensuring lasting naval dominance.

Pages: 288, Year of Publication: 1022, Dimensions: 15.2x15.2cm