The Naval Chronicle: Volume 21, January-July 1809

The Naval Chronicle, published in 40 volumes between 1799 and 1818, is a key source for British maritime and military history. This reissue is the first complete printed reproduction of what was the most influential maritime publication of its day. The subjects covered range from accounts of battles and lists of ships to notices of promotions and marriages, courts martial and deaths, and biographies, poetry and letters. Each volume also contains engravings and charts relating to naval engagements and important harbours around the world. Volume 21 (1809) includes reports of the Battle of Corunna and the evacuation of the army. It also covers the British capture of Martinique, the Battle of the Basque Roads, and the court martial and dismissal of Rear-Admiral Harvey for breach of discipline. Technical articles include discussion of gunpowder tests, shipbuilding, and improved lifeboats, and Thomas Paine's ideas on American coastal defences.