Mutiny : A History of Naval Insurrection - Hardcover

Guttridge, Leonard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711021198 ISBN 13: 9780711021198

Publisher: SUTTON PUBLISHING + LTD, 1992

Synopsis

Nothing is more terrifying to a seagoing captain than the specter or mutiny, and nothing more riveting than a tale of mutinous deeds. In this fascinating book, Leonard Guttridge provides a casebook of mutinies that have occurred over the past two hundred years, beginning with the mutiny on the Bounty. Peopled with colorful characters and filled with suspense, Mutiny brings these dramatic and often bloody events to life, alternately exciting our horror and arousing our sympathy. Guttridge examines the world's famous and not-so-famous mutinies-the bloody uprising aboard the Potemkin, the racial disturbances on the Constellation, the rebellion at the Nore, the hijacking of the Storozhevoy, to name but a few-and asks what these incidents, occurring in different navies and in different ages, have in common. His findings are both startling and illuminating. In his search for a single definition of mutiny, Guttridge came upon muddy waters. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to mutiny than solely the effort to seize control of a ship. Legal opinions are inconclusive. Some courts have ruled that simple disobedience qualifies. Some military legalists insist that a mutiny must be a cooperative act, others hold that one person can make a mutiny. As a result, the word "mutiny" has been laid to acts as diverse as the murderous violence of the Hermione's men and the hunger strikes of the Friedrich der Grosse's crew. Guttridge claims that discipline often depends more upon the crew's decision to obey than upon the officers' will to lead. Why, then, does mutiny occur only rarely in naval history? What are the forces that maintain discipline and sustain morale? And what are the factors that cause sailors to rebel against their officers? Guttridge's answers are sure to fascinate historians and naval leaders alike, suggesting that only communication between all levels of command can prevent mutiny, the greatest naval catastrophe of all.

About this title

About the Author:

Leonard F. Guttridge is the author or coauthor of several books, including Icebound: The Jeannette Expedition's Quest for the North Pole; Mutiny: A History of Naval Insurrection; and The Commodores. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.

From Library Journal:

Mutiny! The word itself has struck fear into the hearts of naval officers since the inception of organized navies. Yet, as Guttridge demonstrates in this narrative history of modern mutinies, there still is no precise definition of mutiny or mutinous behavior. Beginning with mutiny in the navy of England's George I (1714-27), the author ( Icebound , LJ 6/1/86) provides detailed and fascinating descriptions of such famous mutinies as the Bounty , the Somers, and the Potemkin . He examines modern occurrences, such as those on United States aircraft carriers during the Vietnam War, and discusses the connection between mutiny and morale as a fitting conclusion. This is a fascinating study of law, discipline, and morale as they interact at sea from a historical perspective. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
- Harold N. Boyer, Marple P.L., Broomall, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: SUTTON PUBLISHING + LTD
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0711021198
• ISBN 13: 9780711021198
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 360