In his latest book, , the School of English's Professor Jonathan Rayner explores the representation of the modern Royal Navy on British television over a fifty year period from 1973 to 2023. The first study of its type, this volume explores developments in dramatic and documentary approaches through portrayals of the Royal Navy, a highly popular, patriotic and persistent subject. This changing portrayal of the Royal Navy on television also underlines how the Navy itself has evolved since World War II, showing the changing nature and increasing diversity of the naval community over time.
Professor Rayner says, 'The Royal Navy has ongoing cultural relevance and significance to our society. The change in its portrayal on television over the last 50 years shows how the Navy, and how it presents itself, has changed over this period. It also shines a light on the changing way society consumes information, and on where institutions like the Navy sit in the national consciousness.'
Screening the Fleet is the latest fully open access monograph to be published by . Kate Petherbridge, White Rose University Press Manager, said 'It’s been really rewarding to work with Professor Rayner on this publication. This is an engaging volume, presenting new research on a very accessible topic. This makes it relevant to both the academic community and the wider public and, as an open access publication, it should reach the widest possible audience.'
With a focus on the Navy and its sailors as documentary subjects, on the changing expectations of audiences, and including the perspectives of the film-makers behind the lens, Rayner’s volume gives a rounded and clear discussion of its subject, making a significant contribution to research in this field.
As with all White Rose University Press books, Screening the Fleet is available in a range of digital formats and in print. All digital formats are free to download or read online from . You can also visit the same page to order a print copy of the volume, should you prefer.