To Glory We Steer

All of Alexander Kent's (a pen name) Richard Bolitho series are well-written. This one, they say was written first, but I suggest you read them in the chronological order of the protagonist's (Richard Bolitho) career. beginning with the one titled, Midshipman Bolitho. In that order this is number four, in which he is given command of a frigate, the Phalarope, his second command. Bolitho's naval career starts at the tender age of 12, but the first book in the series picks him up at the age of 16--already a veteran midshipman.Kent is a first rate story-teller. His main concern is the story, rather than a mass of technical detail about ship's rigs, sails, etc., which are of interest to some of us, but of less interest, perhaps, to those who simply want to get on with the story. None of his stories drag. There is action a-plenty, including lurid descriptions of men getting their heads blown off and their limbs amputated. Hand-to-hand combat is common in boarding parties and on dry land expeditions.I have some personal experience with sailing vessels, having built and sailed my own ketch-rigged sailboat on the Pacific with my family, and so far as I can tell Kent's sail handling descriptions, although necessarily abbreviated for the sake of the story, are technically accurate. I am more familiar with fore and aft rigs than square riggers, though.This book concerns the end period of the American Revolution. Bolitho's Phalarope is operating in the West Indies. It is refreshing to see that war through the eyes of a British naval officer, and it rings with truth. The final battle, pitting the French Admiral De Grasse against the British George Rodney and Hood, at the sea battle known as the battle of the Saintes, in the Caribbean, ends in glory for Bolitho.Bolitho is called upon to command the Phalarope after the death of a harsh captain who drove his crew to the edge of mutiny, and to make matters worse, his complement was filled out with rogues who were not wanted by other ships of the fleet, by an admiral who disliked him.This is a very good book, which, if you are like me, you will enjoy and find it hard to put down.Joseph (Joe) Pierre, USN (Ret)author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenanceand other books

I have read the Alexander Kent bolitho series since I was in college. I personally think them superior to the Hornblower series, and they undoubtedly are the best of the genre. Exciting, accurate, well-written, and full of adventure against enemy and sea, they give a superb picture of life and warfare at sea in the age of sail.This volume is my favorite. Kent knows his business regarding both seamanship and ships, and leadership, both routine and in combat. He has created a world that encompassess heroes and villains, veterans and neophytes, graceful frigates and ponderous ships of the line, and the darting sloops and brigs that did most of the dirty work.The characters are unforgettable, from Richard Bolitho, Thomas Herrick who becomes his friend and loyal 1st Lieutenant, to Captain Rennie of the ship's marine detachment. And of course, there is John Allday, veteran seaman, pressed man, and who becomes perhaps Bolitho's closestThe ship herself is a main character, and no one who ever reads this book will forget the frigate HMS Phalarope. To those who 'go down to the sea in ships' the vessels themselves are alive, which undoubtedly they are, and this frigate is unforgettable, gallant, and as enduring as her crew.This novel is superb, a tale of high deeds, mutiny, loyalty, friendship, and the horror of combat. Read in conjunction with Robert Gardiner's factual, well illustrated books on the age of sail, they are an unbeatable combination.

Mr Kent delivers another classic account of Richard Bolitho and his adventures. A well written and detailed tale of sea battles, workings of the British ship at war, the customs, the dangers. The characters are great and the plot is superb. I recommend all of Kent's Bolitho series, you won't be disappointed.

Though Richard Bolitho is old enough and experienced enough to be taking on his first frigate command as this book opens, it is in fact the first of the Bolitho novels to have been published. A tyrannical previous captain has driven the crew to the edge of mutiny and as Bolitho sails for the West Indies for the closing stages of the American War of Independence his own crew is as much a threat to him as is the enemy. A skilfully handled American Privateer almost brings Bolitho's career to a premature end and the identity of its captain is such as to rub salt in the wound. Despite all, Bolitho battles back with courage, indomitability and humane leadership and forges his crew and ship into a single weapon that comes victoriously through the decisive Battle of the Saintes, the last of the war. One stalwart supporter of Bolitho makes his exit in glory while another, Allday, makes his first appearance in a most dramatic way. All the best features of the other novels in the series - convincing characterisation, absorbing technical detail, exciting action sequences and a strong plot line - are apparent in this earliest-published adventure.

Even though the novel is one of a long series, it is a fantastic effort in its own right. Fighting against mutiny and with huge family problems, Richard Bolitho survives by putting honor above everything else. If you enjoy the action of early navl warfare, don't miss this one.