Imperial Defence, 1868-1887

The technical transformation of the Royal Navy during the Victorian era posed many design, tactical and operational problems for administrators from the 1830s onwards. The switch from sail to steam required the creation of a system of defended coaling stations and a greater infrastructure.

Naval Review, July 2000

"This book finally makes Schurman"s key text available. . . . This complex of interests, ambitions, needs and nonsense has never been so skilfully dissected."


The Mariner"s Mirror

"an important contribution to the field of imperial history and, fortunately, is now available to the general reader"


Army Historical Research:

Professor Schurman"s important thesis deserves to have been seen much earlier than this, and we should be grateful to Frank Cass for its appearance now. . . an excellent production and one from which members of the Society can draw much benefit.


Journal of Defence Studies

"an indelible mark on his chosen field through the distinctive manner in which he studied naval issues by interweaving personalities and ideas