Richard Hough

Richard Hough (1922-1999) was a British military historian and author who specialized in naval history and wrote over 90 books during his career. His work covered major naval battles, biographies of prominent naval figures, and comprehensive histories of both the Royal Navy and merchant shipping. Hough gained recognition for his meticulous research and detailed accounts of significant maritime events, including the Battle of Jutland and the sinking of the Bismarck. His biography "Mountbatten: Hero of Our Time" received widespread attention, as did his histories of the Dardanelles campaign and the Falklands War. Beyond naval subjects, Hough wrote several books about the British royal family, including works on Queen Victoria and the Queen Mother. He also authored "The Great War at Sea 1914-1918," which became a standard reference work for World War I naval operations. During World War II, Hough served in the Royal Air Force, an experience that informed his later writings on military subjects. His contribution to maritime literature was recognized with the Mountbatten Maritime Prize and his election as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Readers consistently note Hough's clear writing style and thorough research, particularly in his naval histories. His books receive praise for making complex naval battles and technical details accessible to non-specialists. Liked: - Detail-rich accounts backed by primary sources - Clear explanations of naval tactics and strategy - Balanced perspective on historical figures - Ability to craft engaging narratives from historical events Disliked: - Some readers find his royal family biographies less rigorous than his naval works - Occasional British-centric viewpoint in World War coverage - Technical terminology can overwhelm casual readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.1/5 across all works Amazon: 4.3/5 average Most reviewed titles: - "The Longest Battle: The War at Sea 1939-45" (4.4/5) - "Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian" (4.2/5) - "The Great War at Sea" (4.3/5) One reader noted: "Hough explains naval warfare with rare clarity - complex maneuvers become understandable without losing their technical accuracy."

Into a Strange Lost World - A historical account that explores the British naval ventures into previously uncharted territories during the Age of Exploration.

Mountbatten: Hero of Our Time - A biographical examination of Lord Louis Mountbatten's life, military career, and his role in British naval history.

The Great War at Sea 1914-1918 - A comprehensive analysis of naval operations and battles during World War I.

The Battle of Jutland - A detailed study of the largest naval battle of World War I between the British and German fleets.

The Hunting of Force Z - A narrative of the sinking of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse by Japanese aircraft in 1941.

The Fleet That Had to Die - An account of the Russian Baltic Fleet's journey and ultimate destruction at the Battle of Tsushima in 1905.

First Sea Lord: A Life of Admiral Lord Fisher - A biography examining Admiral Fisher's influence on British naval modernization before World War I.

Captain James Cook - A biographical study of the explorer's voyages and discoveries in the Pacific Ocean.

The Longest Battle: The War at Sea 1939-45 - A chronicle of naval warfare throughout World War II.

The Blind Horn's Hate - An examination of the maritime history around Cape Horn and its significance in naval exploration.

Edward and Alexandra: Their Private and Public Lives - A historical analysis of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra's relationship and reign.

N.A.M. Rodger His comprehensive histories of the Royal Navy like "The Command of the Ocean" demonstrate similar depth of naval research and analysis as Hough. His work combines operational history with social and administrative aspects of naval development.

Andrew Gordon His book "The Rules of the Game" examines the cultural and tactical aspects of the Royal Navy leading up to Jutland. His research methods and focus on naval command decisions mirror Hough's analytical approach.

Arthur Marder His five-volume series on the Royal Navy in the Fisher era sets the standard for naval scholarship. His work on WWI naval operations provides similar depth and detail to Hough's accounts.

Robert K. Massie His books on naval warfare, including "Castles of Steel" and "Dreadnought," focus on the same period and events as many of Hough's works. His research into the personalities and politics behind naval decisions matches Hough's biographical approach.

Julian Corbett His works on British naval history and maritime strategy influenced later historians including Hough. His analysis of naval operations and strategic thinking provides context for the events Hough chronicled.