Samuel Pepys and the professionalization of the Royal Navy

Samuel Pepys learned naval administration in detail after becoming Clerk of the Acts to the Navy Board. Shipbuilder Anthony Deane helped him study naval architecture. His plans joined professional officers to improved shipbuilding, effective dockyards and sound finance. He participated in the period's corrupt political culture, while recognizing a limit beyond which corruption harmed the Navy. A regular officer career structure and authorization for thirty new ships put parts of that vision into practice. His later commission sought to restore ships after neglect, although the book cautions that he exaggerated his achievements.