The Cruel Sea by Nicholas Monsarrat

The Cruel Sea

Author: Nicholas Monsarrat

Publisher: Longmans

Edition: 1966

Binding: Hardcover

Pages: 250

Size: 4.5 inch x 7.5 inch

Nicholas Monsarrat’s The Cruel Sea is widely regarded as one of the most authentic and emotionally resonant war novels ever written. First published in 1951 and reprinted in many editions, this 1966 hardcover edition by Longmans delivers a gripping and unforgettable narrative about the relentless and often brutal Atlantic naval campaign during the Second World War.

The novel follows the journey of officers and crew aboard a British corvette and later a frigate, as they engage in the tireless duty of protecting convoys from enemy submarines. What sets The Cruel Sea apart is its unflinching realism—it avoids romanticizing war and instead portrays the psychological toll, the camaraderie, and the human costs with deep sensitivity.

Monsarrat, who served in the Royal Navy himself, writes with the authenticity of experience, bringing to life not only the technical and strategic aspects of naval warfare, but also the emotional and moral struggles that accompany it. Themes of endurance, fear, guilt, sacrifice, and leadership echo through every chapter. From stormy seas to moments of silence between attacks, the novel paints a haunting and honest picture of wartime service.

This 250-page edition is compact in size (4.5 x 7.5 inches) yet rich in depth, making it suitable both for collectors of war literature and readers seeking a profound narrative of courage and survival in extreme conditions. The Cruel Sea remains a cornerstone of 20th-century war fiction and continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary and historical significance.

• Genre: Historical Fiction / War Novel

• Historical Relevance: Set during the Battle of the Atlantic in WWII

• Author Background: Written by Nicholas Monsarrat, a Royal Navy veteran

• Tone: Gritty, realistic, emotionally resonant

• Narrative Focus: Explores the psychological and moral toll of war on sailors

• Collectible Edition: 1966 hardcover from Longmans

• Compact Format: Handy 4.5 x 7.5 inch size

• Audience: Ideal for fans of military history, WWII fiction, and naval narratives

• Legacy: Considered a definitive novel of maritime warfare and British war literature