"The Blue
Mizzen" is just one in the Excellent series by Patrick O'Brian. There are 18 books in the
series, which follow the exploits of Commander Jack Aubrey and Dr Steven
Maturin, around the globe. Realistically covering the 'whole
Picture' during the Napoleonic war. Besides the skilled
seamanship of Aubrey and the covert missions of Maturin, we get a
look into their intellectual persuits, such as Natural History,
Ornithology, Music, Food & Wine, etc. Once started you will
find it difficult to stop. A film of the first books in the series is to be released in June 2003.
Next I prefer the Hornblower series by C.S. Forester again a very good Nautical writer, with the main settings during the Napoleonic war
Closer to date there are some Splendid WW2 Naval book by Douglas Reeman. Again the plots give you the whole picture and interweave personal relationships. again a must for the Nautical reader.
Tristan Jones is another famous Author and
a Seaman since boyhood, he did his stint in the RN during the war
and is now a famous Sailor/Adventurer and a good down to earth
factual writer.Another 'Must' I would say, are the Books of Richard Woodman, such as 'The Bomb Vessel' and '1805' you will find some very interesting facts in these books.
For instance, did you know that, shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar, when the french commander 'Villeneuve' was released and sent back to France, he committed Suicide, by stabbing himself in the heart five times! (I dont think so)
More to come Later
