Brian Lavery returns with the second volume of his engaging social history of the Royal Navy's 'lower deck' exploring the world of the seamen (as opposed to the officers of the quarterdeck). In Rule Britannia the author addresses a range of issues central to the evolution of the seaman through 89 years of change including ' Jacky' Fisher's sweeping reforms & the concept of the 'new seaman'; the rise of stokers artificers & engineers & the traditional seaman's 'crisis of identity' as the navy moved from sail to steam & from broadside batteries to sophisticated turrets & fire-control systems; the modernization & standardization of signals & telegraphy; the rise of 'small ships' as a destroyer fleet was created to fulfil new strategic requirements; the creation of the submarine service; the repercussions of the First World War & the grand fleet engagement at Jutland; expressions of discontent such as the infamous Invergordon mutiny; & the lead-up to the Second World War. Readable engaging & authoritative it chronicles an important stage in the history of the Royal Navy & illuminates the inherent adaptability of the lower deck as new technologies demanded increased professionalism specialization & training. The book also examines the changing social structure of the Navy & the great demands made on the Service throughout the British Empire.