Great Britain and Sea Power, 1815-53

This is an analysis of the main forces determining British naval policy between the defeat of Napoleon and the start of the Crimean War. It is based on official and provate papers and challenges some of the traditional charges that naval policy was too conservative, notably in the introduction of steamships. These were weaknesses, but the fleet compares favourably with other navies. It also has to be borne in mind that in the Crimean War it was engaged against fortications rather than enemy ships. The navy was an undoubted success as a strategic instrument before and during that war.