Youth, Heroism and War Propaganda: Britain and the Young Maritime Hero, 1745–1820

Review “The Naval Chronicle is the literary centerpiece here; Ronald takes us through its advertisements, its news columns, its biographies, its nautical verse, its accounts of “Heroic Atchievements,” and its appeals to humanity for the “destitute midshipman” and the “unfortunate youth.” Fascinating material.” – SEL: Studies in English Literature 1500-1900 Product Description Youth, Heroism and Naval Propaganda explores the young maritime hero became a major new figure of war propaganda in the second half of the long eighteenth century. At that time, Britain was searching for a new national identity, and the young maritime hero and his exploits conjured images of vigour, energy, enthusiasm and courage. Adopted as centrepiece in a campaign of concerted war-propaganda leading up to the Battle of Trafalgar, the young hero came to represent much that was quintessentially British at this major turning-point in the Nation's history. By drawing on a wide range of sources, this study shows how the young hero gave maritime youth a symbolic power which it had never before had in Britain. It offers a valuable contribution to the field of British military and naval history, as well as the study of British identity, youth, heroism and propaganda. Book Description Analyses the emergence of the young Naval hero as a key figure in 18th century British war propaganda About the Author Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter, UK.