Whilst many books have been published about war, the role of the prisoner of war has been largely ignored or paid scant attention. This book, along wih the author's other title - The Arts and Crafts of Napoleonic ans American Prisoners of War 1756-1816 - aims to correct this imbalance, and is the result of the author's quest over thirty years into this almost-forgotten field of history. Part one tells of the various wars that saw the men, from many diferent countries, become prisoners. Tales of individuals and their voyages, mutinies, fortunes and failures also featured, adding more personal touches to the history and, as with the author's other title, all the accounts are writen in a highly evocative style. Part two is largely devoted to the prison hulks, describing the vessels and the conditions onboard that the prisoners would have had to endure. Many of these hulks were former warships. Now stripped of all equipment, and with their masts, sails and rigging removed, they sat disabled offshore, filled with their human cargo. Part three concerns itself primarily with the depots and prisons on land, beginning with a general overview, and going on to explore in greater detail individual establishments and the conditions within. The final three chapters in this section deal with terms and conditions of various types of parole - many officers granted parole were able ti live almost as free men, as long as they did not take up arms against their captors - as well as the punishments to be expected should parole be broken. Written eith numerous personal accounts, and drawing upon many years of painstakingl and dedicated research, this important book fills a significant gap in literature of military history.
