Able Seaman Simon by Lynne Barrett-Lee

Simon is discovered in the Hong Kong docks in 1948 and smuggled on board H.M.S Amethyst by a British sailor who takes pity on the malnourished kitten. Amethyst is ordered to sail up the Yangtze and the ship comes under fire. A number of the crew are killed and Simon is among those who are seriously wounded. Despite his injuries the plucky feline keeps up morale aboard. Delightfully told in Simon’s voice!

The Seven Years War by Martin Robson

The Seven Years War (1756-1763) was the first global conflict and became the key factor in creating the British Empire. Part of the excellent History of the Royal Navy Series this title looks at Britain’s maritime strategic, operational and tactical success (and failures), through a wide-ranging history of the Royal Navy’s role in the war.

On the Road with Wellington by A.L.F. Schaumann

A remarkable memoir that captures the life and adventures of a junior officer as he endures the drama and agonies of the fierce struggle in Spain, Portugal, and southern France between 1808 and 1814. The book features an introduction by Bernard Cornwell.

A Confederate Biography by Dwight Sturtevant Hughes

From October 1864 to November 1865, the officers of the CSS Shenandoah carried the Confederacy and the conflict of the Civil War around the globe through extreme weather, alien surroundings, and the people they encountered. In the words of one noted admiral, this book is: ‘a biography of a ship and a cruise, and a microcosm of the Confederate-American experience.’

Churchills Greatest Fear by Richard Doherty

The Battle of the Atlantic was arguably the pivotal campaign of the Second World War. Using official records, personal accounts and a wealth of historical research, this work gives the reader a splendidly concise yet broad account of the course of the campaign, the men who fought it on both sides and the critical moments and analysis of the outcome.

Lusitania R. E. X. by Greg Taylor

Winner of the inaugural M.M. Bennett Award for Historical Fiction in 2015, Lusitania R.E.X is an historical fiction account of the sinking of Lusitania with a new theory as to why the ship was a target. A tale replete with spies and secret societies, super weapons, millionaires and martyrs!

Sailors on the Rocks by Peter C. Smith

A fascinating insight into the malevolent power of the sea and storms over man’s creation and dominion, chronicling some of the most dramatic shipwrecks ever to have occurred in our seas.

The Sailing Frigate by Robert Gardiner

The author cleverly uses models from the Collections of the National Maritime Museum to tell the story of the evolution of the cruising ship under sail. Superbly illustrated, this new paperback edition will appeal to ship modellers and all those with an interest in ship design and development.

Jutland. The Naval Staff Appreciation edited by William Schleihauf

Transcribed from a long-hidden and controversial critique of the Royal Navy’s performance at the largest sea battle of the First World War, this also contains an expert modern commentary and explanatory notes.

Still looking for bookish inspiration?

You might also like to take a peek at my other BookPicks this year this year
And I have a very limited number of Signed First Editions, which I’m happy to inscribe with a personal message
Enjoy!