Youth, Heroism and War Propaganda: Britain and the Young Maritime Hero, 1745-1820 [Paperback]

Youth, Heroism and War Propagandaexplores how the young maritime hero became a major new figure of war propaganda in the second half of the long 18th 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.

D. A. B. Ronaldis an independent scholar and has a PhD from the University of Exeter, UK.The Naval Chronicleis 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

List of Illustrations
Preface
Notes on Dates, Spelling, Language and Titles
List of Abbreviations
1: Introduction: Britannia sends a poor Boy to sea
2: 'Youthful Years': The Young Midshipman in Naval Biography, 17451798
3: 'Our young officer': Young heroes in theChronicle'sBiographical Memoirs, 17991818
4: Youthful Warriors: Their 'heroic Atchievements' Become News, 17451798
5: 'Intrepid youthful heroes': Their 'heroic Atchievements' Are the News in theChronicle,17991818
6: 'Isle of Love': The 'sea-lover' in Nautical Verse, 17451798
7: 'Love at home': 'My son, a mariner' in the Chronicle's Nalck