O’Byrne’s Naval Annual for 1855

O’Byrne’s Naval Annual for 1855 is a remarkable snapshot of the Royal Navy at one of the most significant moments in nineteenth-century maritime history. Compiled by the respected naval historian Robert O’Byrne and originally published in 1855 during the early stages of the Crimean War, this unique annual was later reissued as a high-quality facsimile by Cornmarket Press Limited in 1969. The reprint faithfully preserves the original text, making an important and scarce historical reference available to modern collectors and students of naval history.

Unlike a conventional history book, O’Byrne’s Naval Annual for 1855 was designed as a contemporary reference for its time. It provides readers with an invaluable overview of the Royal Navy’s organisation, personnel, ships and operations during 1855, while also reflecting Britain’s naval priorities in the midst of the Crimean conflict. The volume offers fascinating insight into naval administration, fleet composition and the officers who served during one of the defining periods of Victorian military history.

Robert O’Byrne was renowned for his naval reference works and biographical compilations, and his expertise is evident throughout this carefully assembled annual. Today, O’Byrne’s Naval Annual for 1855 serves not only as a period reference but also as an important primary source for researchers, genealogists, maritime historians and enthusiasts interested in nineteenth-century naval affairs. Because it captures information as it was presented during the era itself, it offers a level of authenticity that later historical accounts cannot fully replicate.

The 1969 Cornmarket Press edition is particularly sought after by collectors of facsimile reprints, preserving both the typography and presentation of the original publication. Whether your interests include the Royal Navy, the Crimean War, Victorian Britain or maritime history in general, O’Byrne’s Naval Annual for 1855 is an informative and historically significant addition to any library. Its combination of contemporary naval data, historical context and collectible appeal makes this edition especially desirable for readers who appreciate authentic naval literature and classic military reference works.