A Brig of War

For those who enjoy adventure there are no better reads than Richard Woodman. His books have excellent historical backround, extreemly exciting with a very good insight to British navy life in the late 1700's. I have read Woodman's first three volumes and have four more in my library lined up to read. If you like action, these are the books for you.

As first novels, these are almost as subtle and enigmatic as P.O'B's later works, but just as gripping as his early stuff; similarly based on historical fact, they are definitely a cut above the rest and should be read in order, to get the best enjoyment. Excellent descriptions of below-decks and battle actions take you right inside the ship; an acquaintance with nautical terminology helps, but is not vital, to understand the gist of the action or the day-to-day management of the ship - e.g. the handling of sails is particularly well-described, far better than any other book I've read. and succinct descriptions of wind, weather and tide preface each event; the stage is already set - action soon follows. Book 3 'A Brig of War' sees Nat dashing round to the Red Sea to subvert Napoleon's suspected attack on India. A tense sea-chase ensues, brilliantly described, there are some on-board intrigues which keep one guessing, an old enemy returns to haunt Nat, plus the minutiae of running a ship make this immensely enjoyable reading. We see more details of Nat's long-time colleagues, in particular the misanthrope Appleby, whose didactic prolix is an undercurrent of humour which endears him to both Nat and his ailing Captain. I read the first 3 books in a weekend - good job I'd already bought the follow-on, because this is addictive reading.

Readable and authentic from page one, Woodman does himself and us a favour by aiming under his obvious peer, O'Brien. This is compelling story telling without the pat-on-the back pomposity that makes O'Briens work so popular with our patrician class and so jarring for the likes of me. Woodman's fiction does its job well. It's not going to change history as we see it, but it does more than just pass the time. We quickly suspend disbelief, slip out of the here and now and settle back to enjoy the ride. It's good stuff too. Well researched and frequently thought provoking in its detail. It leaves its mark. But this stuff is meant to be read for fun. That's what I did and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If that's what you do, you will too.

THE AUTHOR SHOWS THE BRILLIANCE KNOWLEDGE AND TACT,OF C.S.FORESTER. I WOULD LIKE THE PUBLISHERS TO RELEASE THE SERIES ONCE AGAIN. I SEEMED TO HAVE MISSED THIS GREAT NOVEL THE FIRST TIME AROUND