
Jack Nastyface
Memoirs of an English Seaman
William Robinson(Author)
Chatham Publishing
Published on 31. May 2002
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-1-86176-191-0 (ISBN)
Description
William Robinson, whose pseudonym may well have been his lower-deck nickname, volunteered for naval service in May 1805. This was in itself unusual by this time, but, rather more true to form, he eventually deserted in 1811. However, in his six years as an ordinary seaman he saw much action, including fighting at Trafalgar in the 74-gun "Revenge" - and less gloriously at the controversial Basque Roads attack, and the disastrous invasion of Walcheren in 1809. His experiences were probably typical of a Channel Fleet sailor of those years, and Robinson's descriptions are particularly valuable because, while he was an intelligent observer, he never became embittered by the harsh conditions, so his account is balanced and credible. First published in 1836, when naval memoirs were becoming fashionable, Nastyface was the sole witness from the lower deck, all previous books being the products of officers. It offers a subtly different view of naval warfare from that seen on the quarterdeck, and - not surprisingly - has far more to say about the routine of shipboard organisation and, in particular, the fierce disciplinary regime, with its range of draconian punishments.
More details
Series
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Greenhill Books
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
27 line illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 155 mm
Width: 227 mm
Weight
247 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-86176-191-0 (9781861761910)
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Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Little is known about William Robinson beyond the details of his naval career set out in this book, but these have been verified from surviving records.