Catastrophe at Spithead
- Subject: Age of Sail
- Format:
Hardcover
- Pages:
352pages
- Published:
March 1, 2020
- ISBN-10:
1526764997
- ISBN-13:
9781526764997
- Product Dimensions:
9.25 × 6.125 × 1 in
- Product Weight:
21 oz
Overview
In one of the most sensational and perplexing incidents in naval history, Rear Admiral Richard Kempenfelt, a much-voyaged veteran and outstanding officer, drowned along with more than 800 crew and many civilian visitors on a calm summer's morning and in a familiar anchorage. This new work examines that tragedy—the sudden capsizing at Spithead on 29 August 1782 of the mighty flagship HMS Royal George.
This is the first comprehensive account of the calamity and is based on a wide variety of contemporary sources, including reports by survivors and eyewitnesses. Catastrophe at Spithead will bring to a new audience an extraordinary tale from the heyday of Britain's naval power.
About the Author
Editorial Reviews
“Well-written and approachable, Catastrophe at Spithead offers readers … a fascinating peek at this now-obscure accident. It’s a surprising reminder that the type of technical mishaps that plague today’s society have been common throughout history.” —The Daily News
“Rubinstein’s book brilliantly covers the multitude of events on many levels. Well-written in clear prose, it is an excellent resource for any maritime historian.” —The Northern Mariner / Le marin du nord
“This exemplary study surpasses all existing texts.” —Warship
“The book is a must for anyone who is passionate about naval history and famous shipwrecks of the Royal Navy.” —Omne Ignotum Pro Magnifico