Richard O'Neill (1937–)

Another well-illustrated addition to the litany of works already out there about life on the high seas in the Napoleonic Era. Unlike many other books, editor Richard O'Neill has put together a volume that focuses on the British Royal Navy and is clearly meant more for those who are new to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin (Master & Commander) series.

Interestingly, this is not a book about the geopolitical history of the era nor of the famous naval battles since only three actions are covered show more (1 fleet engagement, 1 amphibious landing, & 1 frigate engagement). Moreso, the majority of the text details the life of the sailors, the organization, and the culture of the Royal Navy. Throughout the book, there are references to the Aubrey/Maturin series and how the character Jack Aubrey fits into this world.

While perhaps a little derivative of other works out there, this is a fairly good read for those needing a more accessible introduction to the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic Era. My only gripe about the text is that it ends somewhat abruptly. The final chapter describes crimes and punishments in the Royal Navy, including pirates and privateers, but then the narrative goes no further and there's no conclusion to wrap things up. show less

What a neat picture book of all sorts of things militaria. Interesting to look at items that can sometimes be seen in WWII movies made after the war. Tells if the movie had accurate depictions (or not) of events, uniforms, weapons, etc.

I remember in Kelly's Heroes there was scene with American tanks coming out of railroad tunnel at a rail station. The reacting German railway soldiers had odd looking medallions around their necks. The book actually reviews that these medallions were real show more issues for the rail security guard forces. Decent realism. Someone did their homework.

While in Germany in the 1980's, I bought a duplicate Luftwaffe dagger (supposedly made in Spain from the original German die casts). I found the original dagger in the book so it was interesting to compare mine to the book's picture.

Neat armchair book to browse through. show less

A delicious feast for the eyes and the mind. Indispensible companion to Patrick O'Brians Jack Aubry series, especially for those not steeped in naval tradition and history. But even for the expert there is something in every chapter worth having. If you have never served on a ship the breakdown of the day by watch, division and duty is worth the price of the book. As is the description of a ship's rigging.

I really wanted to like this book but I can't. The topic is interesting particularly considering the author deals not only with Japanese suicide weapons but British, Italian and German as well. The descriptions of the actual details are good but the authors often bizarre statements make the book lack credibility.

I knew I was in for rough ride when the author starts out the book by saying that he wishes the Japanese government would start funding the Yasukuni Shrine. Apparently O'Neill show more believes that honoring war criminals is important. Next the Fenians are described as "Irish nationalists" yes so is the IRA but they're both terrorists. Apparently only "some" Westerners believe the Japanese military was involved in "excesses" i.e. crimes against humanity. Wonder if O'Neill is one of these.

Lots of pictures which is probably a good thing because who knows what nonsense he would come up with if he had to write another 30,000 words of text. show less