O'Brian's novels include some words rarely seen in print and whose meaning few people would know -- words like palings, flummary, clem, kevel, and serjeanty. The context in which they are used often give the reader an idea of their meaning, but for those who wish a deeper understanding, this book is essential, since many of the words won't be found in your desktop Funk & Wagner, or Websters. Includes essays on the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars and Naval Medicine in the Age of Sail, as well as the A-Z lexicon of terms, people, geography, ships, and more. A valuable book to add to your O'Brian collection.