Admirals All

work by Newbolt

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July 23, 2026

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Admirals All is a collection of ballads by Sir Henry Newbolt, an English poet known for his patriotic and nautical verse. Published in 1897, this work, which includes the well-known poem "Drake's Drum," established Newbolt's literary reputation. The title "Admirals All" refers to a high-ranking naval officer, a term with ancient origins tracing back to Muslim Arabs and adopted into European languages. These officers historically commanded fleets or important naval posts. Newbolt's poetry often celebrated naval themes and heroism.12

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Sir Henry Newbolt
The appearance of his ballads, Admirals All (1897), which included the stirring “Drake’s Drum,” created his literary reputation. These were followed by other volumes collected in Poems: New and Old (1912; rev. ed. 1919). During World War I he was comptroller of wireless and cables and was later commissioned to…
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The appearance of his ballads, Admirals All (1897), which included the stirring “Drake’s Drum,” created his literary reputation. These were followed by other volumes collected in Poems: New and Old (1912; rev. ed. 1919). During World War I he was comptroller of wireless and cables and was later commissioned to…
Read More