Mutiny - Hardcover

Julian Stockwin

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340794798 ISBN 13: 9780340794791

Publisher: Hodder Hb, 2003

Synopsis

It is 1797 when Kydd, now a master's mate, sails to the fabled Rock of Gibraltar - the uttermost end of Europe, the finality of a continent. There, in an attempt to win the heart of a lady, he volunteers to join a dangerous mission to Venice to rescue a diplomat fleeing over the Alps in the wake of Buonaparte's victories. With his enigmatic, high-born friend, Nicholas Renzi, Kydd experiences the tumultuous, heady last days of the Venetian republic. Back in Gibraltar, Kydd sets sail for England, desperately longed-for after many years' absence, and becomes centrally involved in one of the most extraordinary events in English history - the Mutiny at the Nore. Ten thousand men, one thousand guns and scores of ships hold the country to ransom, the government is near collapse, the economy on the brink of ruin. The insurrection fails - but the Dutch Fleet at Texel now threatens the very survival of England; should they prevail the country will be lost to the French in hours. In the bloody Battle of Camperdown that ensues, Kydd and Renzi experience all the horror of a major Fleet action, but emerge victorious. The book is based on dramatic true events that have seldom been written about before.

About this title

From the Author

To my surprise when I started research for this book I found that little had actually been written about the Mutiny at the Nore. Given the nature of the rebellion, and what could have happened had it been successful, this took me somewhat aback. Piecing together the main elements – and the key historical figures was a fascinating exercise and I found myself in strong sympathy with Tom Kydd’s stand. Later, like many of the mutineers, he was swept along in events beyond his control. Obviously I could not let Tom be hung at the yardarm for his part in the mutiny – or the series would have ended there – so I had to find a credible way of saving him that would not ruin his chances for further progression in the Navy.

About the Author

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen before transferring to the Royal Australian Navy, where he served for eight years in the Far East, Antarctic waters and the South Seas. In Vietnam he saw active service in a carrier task force. After leaving the Navy (rated Petty Officer), Julian practised as an educational psychologist. He lived for some time in Hong Kong, where he was commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve. He was awarded the MBE and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. More information can be found on his website at www.JulianStockwin.com.

Edition details

• Publisher: Hodder Hb
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0340794798
• ISBN 13: 9780340794791
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 384