In 1805 William Wells Robinson joined the Royal Navy. He saw action in numerous campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Trafalgar. After six years of naval service, Robinson deserted - a hanging offence in time of war. He kept his head low for the next two decades, but in 1836 published a powerful memoir of his service in the Royal Navy - the first by a common sailor.

Robinson’s book confronted the Royal Navy’s draconian disciplinary system and its use of impressment - the capturing and forcing of men into naval service. Predicting a less than favourable response from the Royal Navy, William Robinson chose to publish under a pseudonym, that of ‘Jack Nasty-Face.’

The British press praised the book for its ‘plain narrative of facts - facts of an amusing and of a heartrending nature,’ and called for parliament to investigate ‘the copious injustices and cruelties’ meted out by Royal Naval officers.

The Royal Navy considered the book treasonous. When its printer was arrested, Robinson and his family departed Britain for Australia.

William Robinson’s astonishing tale is considered a classic by historians. This new edition, restored and introduced by his descendant, film-maker and author Peter Butt, features reviews of the book soon after its release as well as details of Robinson’s intriguing life.