Dr Roger Morriss is a senior lecturer in history at the University of Exeter. He is interested in most aspects of European maritime history and teaches British maritime and naval history. His research interests are focussed on British naval administration in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly naval logistics. He has published several books, including The Foundations of British Maritime Ascendency 1755-1815 (2010), Naval Power and British Culture, 1760-1850 (2004) and The Channel Fleet and the Blockade of Brest 1793-1801 (2001), and is the current General Editor of the Navy Records Society, a position he has held since 2000.

• Preface; Introduction. Part I Science: North-West Europe: reconnaissance; Russia and Poland: the maritime resources; Siberia: minerals, trade and river transport. Part II Utility: Proposals for state service; State employment, private interests; Experiments, industry and commerce. Part III Maritime Power: The construction of experimental vessels; Naval armament and war in the Liman; River navigation and shipbuilding in Siberia. Conclusion: Samuel Bentham in Russia; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

'This is a very important book for students of Anglo-Russian naval, commercial and technical relations in the age of Catherine the Great, one that will repay readers who are ready to push the evidence in different directions.' Strife Journal

Dr Roger Morriss is a senior lecturer in history at the University of Exeter. He is interested in most aspects of European maritime history and teaches British maritime and naval history. His research interests are focussed on British naval administration in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly naval logistics. He has published several books, including The Foundations of British Maritime Ascendency 1755-1815 (2010), Naval Power and British Culture, 1760-1850 (2004) and The Channel Fleet and the Blockade of Brest 1793-1801 (2001), and is the current General Editor of the Navy Records Society, a position he has held since 2000.

• Preface; Introduction. Part I Science: North-West Europe: reconnaissance; Russia and Poland: the maritime resources; Siberia: minerals, trade and river transport. Part II Utility: Proposals for state service; State employment, private interests; Experiments, industry and commerce. Part III Maritime Power: The construction of experimental vessels; Naval armament and war in the Liman; River navigation and shipbuilding in Siberia. Conclusion: Samuel Bentham in Russia; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

'This is a very important book for students of Anglo-Russian naval, commercial and technical relations in the age of Catherine the Great, one that will repay readers who are ready to push the evidence in different directions.' Strife Journal

Dr Roger Morriss is a senior lecturer in history at the University of Exeter. He is interested in most aspects of European maritime history and teaches British maritime and naval history. His research interests are focussed on British naval administration in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly naval logistics. He has published several books, including The Foundations of British Maritime Ascendency 1755-1815 (2010), Naval Power and British Culture, 1760-1850 (2004) and The Channel Fleet and the Blockade of Brest 1793-1801 (2001), and is the current General Editor of the Navy Records Society, a position he has held since 2000.

• Preface; Introduction. Part I Science: North-West Europe: reconnaissance; Russia and Poland: the maritime resources; Siberia: minerals, trade and river transport. Part II Utility: Proposals for state service; State employment, private interests; Experiments, industry and commerce. Part III Maritime Power: The construction of experimental vessels; Naval armament and war in the Liman; River navigation and shipbuilding in Siberia. Conclusion: Samuel Bentham in Russia; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.

'This is a very important book for students of Anglo-Russian naval, commercial and technical relations in the age of Catherine the Great, one that will repay readers who are ready to push the evidence in different directions.' Strife Journal