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To Rule the Waves

How the British Navy Changed the Modern World

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About this listen

To Rule the Waves tells the extraordinary story of how the British Royal Navy allowed one nation to rise to a level of power unprecedented in history. From the navy's beginnings under Henry VIII to the age of computer warfare and special ops, historian Arthur Herman tells the spellbinding tale of great battles at sea, heroic sailors, violent conflict, and personal tragedy - of the way one mighty institution forged a nation, an empire, and a new world.

This P.S. edition features extra insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

©2004 Arthur Herman (P)2016 Recorded Books Armed Forces Europe Great Britain Military Naval Forces England Royal Navy British History
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as a British patriot who loves hearing about our history, i thought i'd like this. i loved it. i loved the focus on people and places and the well woven historical threds between them. sadly the naration was a bit ropy in places but i got the impression the narrator enjoyed himself and his pride in our heritage seemed obvious. If you've ever seen the documentary series "Empire of the seas" with Dan Snow you'll recognise many of the themes and stories but as that's among my favourite series i think that's no bad thing.

I thought i'd like this and boy did i ever.

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compelling, and with many a hidden gem revealed by the excellent narrator and a very well written text.

A wonderful history.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this Audiobook. As a student of history and now Navy history it was packed full of interesting stories and facts and I gained a huge appreciation of the British Navy. I’m planning a trip to Portsmouth Historic dockyard to see some history! The narrators voice captivated and is extremely well read. Seek out the author ‘Arthur Herman’ on YouTube as he talks about the book when it was published.

Wonderful! A great listen.

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Liked everything and spoken with the elegant swish of a cutlass. Should be absorbed by all who profess to be knowledgeable about the shaping of the modern world.

Brilliant narrative of hugely important history not widely known

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I really, really loved this book. Beautifully written and beautifully performed! One small gripe is that Cadiz is not pronounced Cardis but once we got past that, it was plain sailing. 🤣

Can’t recommend it enough.

Thoroughly Enjoyable!!

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