COMMAND.

Stockwin, Julian

ISBN 10: 0340898550 / ISBN 13: 9780340898550

Published by Hodder & Stoughton, 2006

About this Item

First printing. The 7th novel in the Tom Kydd series, which follows his career in the British Royal Navy from pressed man to Master. #641 in the limited edition of 1000 copies, SIGNED on the title page, numbered and stamped. Laid in is a SIGNED promotional postcard and a bookmark. "Thrilled at his first command Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness. . But his jubilation does not last long - peace is suddenly declared and Kydd is left ashore on half pay. A rare chance gives him the opportunity to go to sea once again. He sets sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales - and challenges that will test both his seamanship and his humanity to the limit." Nautical chart endpapers, ribbon bookmark bound in. 345 pp. Fine in a fine dust jacket (as new.). Seller Inventory # 70752

Bibliographic Details

Title: COMMAND.

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Publication Date: 2006

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: FINE

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition

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?