The bestselling complete history of the British Navy.'Superb' The Times Book of the Week'The sea boils and timbers creak as you read this smart, salty, invigorating work' Dan Jones, Daily Telegraph, Books of the YearThe story of our navy is nothing less than the story of Britain, our culture and our empire. Much more than a parade of admirals and their battles, this is the story of how an insignificant island nation conquered the world's oceans to become its greatest trading empire. Yet, as Ben Wilson shows, there was nothing inevitable about this rise to maritime domination, nor was it ever an easy path.Empire of the Deep: The Rise and Fall of the British Navy also reveals how our naval history has shaped us in more subtle and surprising ways - our language, culture, politics and national character all owe a great debt to this conquest of the seas. This is a gripping, fresh take on our national story. 'Compelling . . . Wilson's mastering of 1,500 years of naval history is no small achievement' Sunday Times'The fighting, blood-and-guts side of naval life is portrayed by Wilson with great skill . . . A charming book' Kwasi Kwarteng, Evening Standard'Fascinating and thought-provoking' SpectatorWhat are readers saying?'This is a super history, full of detail and analysis' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'This book is almost impossible to put down, but it is so riveting that you also want to make it last!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The history of the Royal Navy is arguably the history of Britain. Very well written. Highly recommended' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐