Although there’s some good sea action in Woodman’s new Nathaniel Drinkwater adventure, the chief attraction is the vivid depiction of the politics of Europe and the Royal Navy in Lord Nelson’s day. In 1800, Lieut. Nathaniel Drinkwater wangles a command for himself though it’s only aboard the “bomb tender” Virago, a 40-year-old former mortar ship. After Drinkwater makes Virago shipshape, she plays an important role in the 1801 attack on Copenhagen. En route to this climactic battle, Drinkwater contends with Navy politics, a cowardly blackguard of a purser, his own fugitive brother and, not least, the Danish artillery. The corruption, snobbery and pigheadedness of the Navy Office, “those portals of perfidy and corruption,” is nicely conveyed, as is the Navy lore, augmented by an interesting, low-key portrait of the great Nelson.
Lt. Drinkwater, of the British navy, takes part in the Baltic expedition of 1801. Though in command of a mere support ship for the bomb vessels (as mortar-firing ships were called), his initiative brings him to the notice of Lord Nelson. This leads to a fighting command at the bombardment of Copenhagen and promotion to commander. Drinkwater brings C. S. Forester’s Horatio Hornblower to mind. Though quicker tempered and less introspective, Drinkwater has the same decisive nature and willingness to take risks. Also, like Forester, Woodman’s technical knowledge of ships and tactics is extensive enough to satisfy the knowledgeable reader’s desire for correct detail. The book is intended as part of a series but will stand alone as a good sea story. Recommended for public libraries.
Although there’s some good sea action in Woodman’s new Nathaniel Drinkwater adventure, the chief attraction is the vivid depiction of the politics of Europe and the Royal Navy in Lord Nelson’s day. In 1800, Lieut. Nathaniel Drinkwater wangles a command for himself though it’s only aboard the “bomb tender” Virago, a 40-year-old former mortar ship. After Drinkwater makes Virago shipshape, she plays an important role in the 1801 attack on Copenhagen. En route to this climactic battle, Drinkwater contends with Navy politics, a cowardly blackguard of a purser, his own fugitive brother and, not least, the Danish artillery. The corruption, snobbery and pigheadedness of the Navy Office, “those portals of perfidy and corruption,” is nicely conveyed, as is the Navy lore, augmented by an interesting, low-key portrait of the great Nelson.
― Publishers Weekly
Lt. Drinkwater, of the British navy, takes part in the Baltic expedition of 1801. Though in command of a mere support ship for the bomb vessels (as mortar-firing ships were called), his initiative brings him to the notice of Lord Nelson. This leads to a fighting command at the bombardment of Copenhagen and promotion to commander. Drinkwater brings C. S. Forester’s Horatio Hornblower to mind. Though quicker tempered and less introspective, Drinkwater has the same decisive nature and willingness to take risks. Also, like Forester, Woodman’s technical knowledge of ships and tactics is extensive enough to satisfy the knowledgeable reader’s desire for correct detail. The book is intended as part of a series but will stand alone as a good sea story. Recommended for public libraries. ― Library Journal
Review
Packed with exciting incident worthy of wide appeal to those who love thrilling nautical encounters and the sea.
― Nautical Magazine
There is no doubt that Nathaniel Drinkwater rates up there with the best of the nautical world.
― Midwest Book Review
Well written and exciting.
― Latitudes & Attitudes
Woodman knows his ships and the sea and is a craftsman of great ability.
― Guernsey Evening Press
Brilliantly told . . . the characters are real and lively, the language similar; but above all it is a convincing and compulsive seafaring story.
― Oxford Times
Action to the bone, no romantic bilge-water.
― Observer
. . . for all who like to read about naval action in the 19th century, told with gusto and bravura.
― Publishing News
About the Author
Captain Richard Martin Woodman retired in 1997 from a 37-year nautical career. Woodman’s Nathaniel Drinkwater series is often compared to the work of the late Patrick O’Brian. Woodman is the author of some two dozen nautical novels, as well as several nonfiction books. Unlike many other modern naval historical novelists, such as C.S. Forester or O’Brian, he has served afloat. He went to sea at the age of sixteen as an indentured midshipman and spent eleven years in command. His experience ranges from cargo-liners to ocean weather ships and specialist support vessels to yachts, square-riggers, and trawlers. Said Lloyd’s List of his work: “As always, Richard Woodman’s story is closely based on actual historical events. All this we have come to expect―and he adds that special ambience of colourful credibility which makes his nautical novels such rattling good reads.”
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