In this text, Nicholas Rodger reveals the extent and power of Britain's navy since the 7th century.

From the reviews of The Wooden World: 'The fullest, brightest and altogether most readable picture that I know of the Royal Navy that beat the Spanish and French navies in the Seven Years' War.' Richard Hough, Daily Telegraph 'This excellent book, both scholarly and readable, gives us a new approach to the 18th-century British Navy, which helps to explain its historic achievement and illuminates the society of which it was a characteristic and resounding expression throughout the world.' A. L. Rowse 'A deeply satisfying book firmly based on new evidence but highly readable; it is enlivened by a multitude of startling and hilarious incidents, recounted with style and wit, and a whole gallery of amazing characters, from ratings to admirals.' John Kenyon, Observer