17 OCTOBER 1885, Page 21

England on the Sea. By W. H. Davenport Adams. 2

vols. (F. V. White and Co.)—Mr. Adams has put together here a useful and readable account of the doings of the British Navy from early times (the first battle described was fought by Richard I. at Cyprus) down to the battle of Navarino in 1827, though reference is made to more recent events, as the bombardments of S. Jean d'Acre and Sebastopol. There is room for a complete history of the Navy if any one feels able to undertake so vast a work. Meanwhile, Mr. Adams's book will serve its purpose of giving a satisfactory outline.