Citation

Leggett D. J. Marit. Res. (London) 2011; 13(2): 151-163.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/21533369.2011.622880

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Naval historiography has significantly changed over the past 40 years. The latest work by social and cultural historians provides innovative and challenging accounts of the navy in relation to existing scholarship and British history more broadly. This vitality is particularly evident in scholarship that examines Britain's relationship with the Royal Navy. This review essay explores the latest contributions to this historiography and its implications for naval history more broadly. The books under review go beyond previous studies that examine the navy as a socio-cultural symbol that reflected cultural attitudes, and explore how the navy, via sailors, writers and naval theatre, operated as a socio-cultural force that shaped the formation of identities and their representation.