<DIV><P>In this fascinating work, Ray Costello examines the work and experience of seamen of African descent in Britain’s navy, from impressed slaves to free Africans, British West Indians, and Britishborn black sailors. Seamen from the Caribbean and directly from Africa have contributed to both the British Royal Navy and Merchant Marine—from the Tudor period to the end of the British slave trade at least three percent of all crewmen were black mariners, and their experiences run the gamut of sorrow and tragedy, heroism, victory, and triumph. This is an important look at a neglected area of study, filled with many powerful, previously untold stories.</P></DIV>