COMMAND

Stockwin, Julian

ISBN 10: 0340898550 / ISBN 13: 9780340898550

Published by Hodder & Stoughton, 2006

About this Item

First edition, first prnt. Signed by Stockwin on the title page on which he has also written the opening sentence of the novel, "Damn you, Sir!" The publisher's promotional postcard illustrated with the dustjacket art which is also signed by Stockwin on the reverse is laid-in. Unread copy in Fine condition in a Fine dutsjacket with an archival cover. Stockwin's seventh novel in his Thomas Kydd series.

Seller Inventory # 100625

Bibliographic Details

• Title: COMMAND
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Publication Date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340898550
• ISBN 13: 9780340898550
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

In this seventh book of the series, Thomas Kydd is master of his own brig-sloop Teazer and he must race the clock to make her battle-ready to defend Malta against Barbary pirates and the French, who are frantically trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant. Suddenly, peace is declared, and the young captain finds himself ashore. To make ends meet, he agrees to transport convicts to Australia. Little does he know that his friend Renzi, weakened by illness and embittered with the service, is also bound for that colony as a settler. There they will be forced to face their deepest fears and prove themselves against all odds.

From the Author

In many ways my seventh book, "Command", is a watershed in the Thomas Kydd series. My hero has actually achieved the majesty of his own quarterdeck, and his life will never be the same again. It may seem an improbable transformation of a young perruquier of Guildford, press ganged into His Majesty's Navy less than ten years before, but the historical record tells us that there were Thomas Kydds, not many admittedly, but enough to be tantalising to a writer's imagination. The great age of fighting sail was a time of huge contrasts and often harsh conditions, but at least in the Royal Navy then, it was conceivable for a young man of talent and ambition to rise far above his station. I do remember my feelings when I became an officer, having begun my sea career on the lower deck. And sometimes I idly wonder, had I lived back then, could I have been a Tom Kydd?