The Prizes of War

Book excerpt: The Prizes of War is the first book ever to explore fully the complexities of the prize system. The operation of the High Court of Admiralty under its great judge Sir William Scott; the responsibilities and rake-offs of agents, brokers, court officials; captains' knowledge of, and responsibilities under, the law; the influence of government and Admiralty policy; how much of the proceeds the captors eventually saw and how it was distributed among the crew; and the delays that disfigured the system. All these are covered in understandable language that conveys an authentic flavour of the time.