An Appeal to the British Nation on the Humanity and Policy of Forming a National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck (1825)   By: William Hillary (1771-1847)

An Appeal to the British Nation on the Humanity and Policy of Forming a National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck, written by William Hillary in 1825, is a groundbreaking work that addresses a crucial concern of the time - the alarming number of shipwrecks and the loss of lives and property they entail. Despite the lack of a catchy title, this book delivers a compelling argument on the need for a national institution dedicated to the prevention and rescue of shipwreck victims.

Hillary's writing style is clear, concise, and quite persuasive. He presents a logical progression of ideas, supported by substantial evidence and case studies, which effectively highlight the pressing issue at hand. One must commend Hillary for his thorough research and his ability to marshal facts, statistics, and narratives to strengthen his argument. It is evident that he is a passionate advocate for the cause, exhibiting an unwavering commitment to saving lives from the treacherous perils of the sea.

The author begins by providing an overview of the dire situation the British nation faces due to the frequency of shipwrecks and the loss of both human and economic resources. Hillary convincingly argues that the creation of a dedicated national institution solely focused on tackling this issue is not only humanitarian but also immensely beneficial from a policy standpoint. His emphasis on the economic benefits of preventing shipwrecks and preserving property is particularly insightful, as it appeals to both the humanitarian and pragmatic sides of his readership.

An Appeal to the British Nation is notably impressive in its ability to generate empathy for those who frequently face the perilous dangers of the sea. Hillary effectively employs narratives of shipwreck survivors and accounts of tragic losses to evoke strong emotions in his readers. By humanizing the issue, he succeeds in fostering a sense of responsibility and urgency among his audience, pushing them to take action.

One minor drawback of the book is its occasional tendency to be overly didactic, at times bordering on repetitive. Hillary's relentless arguments for the importance of the proposed national institution can occasionally detract from the overall reading experience. However, this minor shortcoming is easily overlooked given the author's overall command of the subject matter and his ability to maintain the reader's interest.

In conclusion, An Appeal to the British Nation on the Humanity and Policy of Forming a National Institution for the Preservation of Lives and Property from Shipwreck is a thought-provoking and persuasive work. Hillary's clear and impassioned writing, together with his well-structured arguments and compelling evidence, make a compelling case for the urgent need for a national institution dedicated to preventing shipwrecks and rescuing those in danger. Despite its lack of an attention-grabbing title, this book stands as an important milestone in maritime history, serving as a catalyst for change and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the years that followed.

First Page:

The few pages of which the present edition is composed, were principally written under the circumstances there stated, which had forcibly called my attention to the fatal effects of those ever recurring tempests, which scatter devastation and misery round our coasts, where the veteran commander and his hardy crew, with their helpless passengers of every age and station in life, are left wretchedly to perish from the want of that succour which it has become my object earnestly to solicit for these destitute victims of the storm... Continue reading book >>