This is the author’s fourth publication of a book of 100 objects, the other three concerning the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon, and the Duke of Wellington. It is a high-quality book with a shipload of stunning images.

He touches on most, if not all, essential areas of the Royal Navy in the era of Napoleon and Nelson.

The images are reproduced in high quality on heavy stock resulting in a visually rich book. The author’s goal was to give the reader, perhaps viewer would be more appropriate, a sense of the sailor’s life experience in their various environments and those which supported the ships at sea. The images certainly contribute much towards this goal.

Particular images of note include: the cross section of HMS Victory’s mast (44, which one is not stated) where we see the use of six different large timbers worked together, with several additional smaller timbers as fill, to constitute the needed diameter of the lower mast. It is very impressive, informative, and an uncommon image.

Images of the various land facilities and harbours, often written about but seldom depicted, are an important addition.

This book is for those wanting just an overview of the subject and era. It is the kind of volume found in museum shops and on public or school library shelves. Someone whose interest in maritime history is beginning to appear might benefit greatly from this book.

The Northern Mariner, Winter 2021

Superb production standards and a fact filled guide.

The Armourer February 2022

Well-written abundantly illustrated, and extremely well-researched, this book is presented in a very readable form, one to dip into rather than read, perhaps by taking one or two "Objects” at a time rather than reading it continuously. No one with any interest in the navy of Nelson’s time could possibly “object” to dipping into it, and we should perhaps just marvel and be grateful that so many of the 100 objects chosen still exist and are preserved in such remarkably good nick, safeguarding ships, boats, items and places, and indeed expressions, with which we are still familiar, perhaps at times overlooking or indeed forgetting their very significant and historic origins.

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ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)

The author’s comprehensive research has allowed him to pick an object and then tie in some wider historical and military aspects. This has resulted in a fascinating book that illuminates an eclectic selection of topics through the 100 objects described and should appeal to anyone interested in the military or social history of the period.

Pennant Magazine - Autumn 2021 - THE JOURNAL OF THE FORCES PENSION SOCIETY

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Portsmouth Napoleonic Society

The Royal Navy of Nelson’s time was such a vast organisation that it is sometimes hard to comprehend its full scope. During the Napoleonic Wars it was the largest employer in the world. Not only did the Royal Navy maintain a fleet of close on 1,000 ships, including over 100 line-of-battle ships, but it was also responsible for the entire organisation of maintaining them at sea – from the recruitment of crews, the maintenance and protection of bases throughout the world, the production and delivery of food supplies to feed this vast fleet and the procurement of naval supplies to keep the ships at sea. The Royal Navy was often Britain’s last line of defence and many of its most successful officers became superstars, although none eclipsed Admiral Lord Nelson, who became the personification of the Navy. The whole country revelled in their successes and ‘Jolly Jack Tar’ became a source of national pride, a large number of naval terms being taken into normal life, some still used to this day. This lavishly illustrated volume is charged with atmosphere and will be of interest both to students of history and those with a specific interest in all things Nelson.

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Julian Stockwin

In 100 objects, this book brings the story of Nelson’s navy to life. At the time of the Napoleonic Wars’ the Royal Navy was by far the largest employer in the world, keeping up a fleet of almost 1000 ships, and over 100 line of battle ships. It was Britain’s last line of defence. Through 100 objects, this book looks at all aspects of the organisation of the Royal Navy, tells its story and brining it to life. In many ways, a museum exhibition in a book...

For anyone who has an interested in military and in turn naval history, this book is another must have. A great book to have on a shelf, and regularly pick up and read for anecdotes and stories. Equally, for anyone who does not have much knowledge of Nelson's navy, the book is the perfect springboard to go and find out more.

Jon Sandison

Most people who are interested in the Royal Navy and Age of Sail will find Nelson’s Navy in 100 Objects a great introduction to many aspects of this time. There are objects from shipbuilding and the Royal Dockyards to feeding the crews and the provisions taken aboard each ship, as well as various armaments and weapons for boarding actions or repelling boarders. Whether someone comes across this book out on display or chooses to purchase it, they will enjoy the many photos and learning much about Nelson’s sailing navy.


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Pirates and Privateers

The ‘in 100 Objects’ series is proving very popular, providing a fascinating look at a subject through a cross section of objects that define it. This new book in the series reads well and contains a very interesting selection of images that are almost entirely provided in full colour through the body of the book – Very Highly Recommended

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Firetrench

This is the latest in Pen and Sword's "100 objects" series, this time focusing on Admira Lord Nelson. Excellent.

Books Monthly

This book is a remarkable compilation of 100 Nelsonian objects (and subjects) that goes far beyond its numbered structure to present a vast amount of information and many splendid and useful additional illustrations. It really is a must for the bookshelf of every TNS member.

Peter A. Clayton, The Nelson Society

The details given are meticulous and absorbing, as everyone who has read Gareth Glover’s previous books has come to expect.

Dr J P Morewood, Secretary, The Waterloo Association.

A Life on the Ocean Wave 200years ago.
What a great book packed full of information and illustrations. Gareth has yet again given us 100 objects that depict a certain aspect of the Napoleonic age. Living in Portsmouth I found this really interesting with loads of facts that I was not aware of regarding Nelson and the Victory having lived here all my life and been on the Victory quite afew times. Yet again another quality book from Mr Glover.
Vic Powell
Portsmouth Napoleonic Society

Vic Powell