Man of War: Sir Robert Holmes and the Restoration Navy

by Richard Ollard

Spirited and adventurous, Sir Rupert Holmes lived a life rich with escapades. Embarking on one of the strangest and most romantic episodes in naval history, he accompanied the exiled Prince Rupert on a cruise to Portugal, the Mediterranean, West Africa, and the West Indies. And, after the Restoration, Holmes--in perhaps the most successful single feat of arms of the century--succeeded in destroying a great part of the Dutch Merchant Marine. In a biography that overflows with as much excitement, intrigue, and vitality as its hero, all Holmes's contributions to England's seagoing supremacy--as well as the gusto of the Restoration period--shine forth. "A first-class account written with a nice mixture of humor, observation, and narrative skill."--C.V. Wedgwood.

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2001

About the author

Richard Laurence Ollard was an English historian and biographer. He is best known for his work on the English Restoration period. He was educated at Eton College where he was a King's Scholar. He joined the Navy during the Second World War and won an exhibition to New College, Oxford at its conclusion. For twelve years from 1948 to 1959 Ollard taught history at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich in London. In 1960 he joined the publisher Collins as a senior editor, where he worked until his retirement in 1983. After his retirement from Collins he continued to research and publish widely and lived in Morecombelake, Dorset.

Interests and achievements:

- In 1992 he was awarded the Caird Medal by the Trustees of the National Maritime Museum.
- In 1997 he was joint winner of the Heywood Hill Prize for a lifetime's contribution to the pleasure of reading.
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL)
- Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London (FSA)
- Past Vice President of the Navy Records Society
- An honorary member of the Samuel Pepys Club