Books on the French, Spanish, or Dutch Navies?

[Joshua Barney]

Does anyone have the names of some good books in English about the French, Spanish, or Dutch navies in the eighteenth century? Ship, yes, but also administration.

 

Thanks in advance!

[ObiQuiet]

I'm sure you'll get good suggestions from people here. Since you mention administration, this may be of interest as it includes some of the French planning and communications:

http://books.google.com/books/about/Most_Secret_and_Confidential.html?id=q5LfAAAAMAAJ

Probably not a perfect source for what you want, but one that came to mind.

[Grim DeGrim]

I have been reading this one.

The Age of the Ship of the Line: The British & French Navies, 1650-1815

It talks alot about the political climate, which includes the treatment of Naval budgets & administration at that time. Many comparison between France & England. Though Spain & Dutch Navies are discussed, only in the context as allies to France & England.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Age-Ship-Line-1650-1815/dp/0803235186

Edited February 25, 2015 by Grim DeGrim

[Frizzell]

I have this and agree with the reviewer's comments.

 

'Naval Warfare In The Age of Sail - the evolution of fighting tactics 1650-1815' by Brian Tunstall

 

http://www.amazon.com/Naval-Warfare-Age-Sail-Evolution/dp/0785814264#customerReviews

[Haratik]

Apologies for resurrecting this, am about to do a post on the following book.  You should find it enlightening:

 

"Trafalgar and the Spanish Navy:  The Spanish Experience of Sea Power" by John D. Harbron

 

An excellent read into the Spanish Navy during the 18th century.

[Surcouf]

French books in English :

http://ancre.fr/en/ouvrages-de-base-en/9-vaisseau-de-74-canons-1780-traite-pratique-d-art-naval-1780-en-quatre-volumes-base-de-la-collection.html

http://ancre.fr/en/ouvrages-de-base-en/56-vaisseaux-les-du-roi-soleil-jc-lemineur.html#/langue-anglais

http://ancre.fr/en/ouvrages-de-base-en/79-hermione-historique-lafayette-9782903179854.html#/langue-anglais

http://ancre.fr/en/ouvrages-de-base-en/62-fregate-marine-de-france-1650-1850.html#/langue-anglais

http://ancre.fr/en/ouvrages-de-base-en/43-remarques-sur-la-marine-des-anglais-et-hollandais.html#/tome-18th_century_shipbuilding

[Malachi]

Want to know why the french navy got roflstomped in the Seven Years War and yet managed to play a key role in the War of American Independence only fifteen years later?

 

Then this is the book for you:

 

http://www.amazon.com/French-Seven-Years-France-Overseas/dp/0803260245

[Fluffy Fishy]

Want to know why the french navy got roflstomped in the Seven Years War and yet managed to play a key role in the War of American Independence only fifteen years later?

 

Then this is the book for you:

 

http://www.amazon.com/French-Seven-Years-France-Overseas/dp/0803260245

 

When you get your navies sunk as much as the French did it does incredible things for the efficiency of your naval industry, its no wonder the french got so good at building ships

Also I have always been tempted by this book, its a shame theres not something in the series that extends onto the slightly later period as with the french and british counterparts in the series.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dutch-Warships-Age-Sail-1600/dp/1848321570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1465549110&sr=8-1&keywords=dutch+ships+age+of+sail