Mutiny on the Spanish Main: HMS Hermione and the Royal Navy's revenge

Description

Mutiny on the Spanish Main tells the dramatic story of HMS Hermione, a British frigate whose crew mutinied in 1797, in what was regarded as the most bloody mutiny in British naval history. The Hermione was subsequently recaptured in a daring raid on a Caribbean port two years later. The book draws on letters, reports, ship's logs and memoirs of the period to weave a highly readable narrative, which intertwines this extensive research into a fast-paced account of the mutiny and its consequences. The book opens a window into the world of Nelson's sailing navy, seen through the lens of the dramatic events which unfolded on the deck of the Hermione to produce a rollicking and highly-readable tale. It offers a balanced view of the mutiny, seen from both the side of the authorities and the mutineers. It will also draw on hitherto unpublished Spanish sources to tell their side of the story. It will use box inserts to present many of the technical and tactical nuances of seamanship and naval warfare of this period in a way which doesn't interrupt the narrative thread, whilemaps and diagrams integrated into the body text will help readers follow the action as the events unfold. Mutiny on the Spanish Main adopts a fast-paced and highly readable structure. The book will have a cinematic feel to it, with the dramatic narrative underpinned by a clear description of the ebb and flow of these dramatic events.

Angus Konstam is a well-established historian, and the author of over 80 books, 60 of which are published by Osprey. These include the Osprey command title Nelson, and several New Vanguard titles covering warships of the Age of Fighting Sail. His non-Osprey naval books include Jutland: Twelve Hours to Win the War, The Battle of North Cape, Sovereigns of the Sea, Battleship Bismarck and History of Piracy. A former naval officer, maritime archaeologist and museum curator, he is now a full-time author, specialising in maritime and military history.

A vivid account of a forgotten chapter of British naval history. * Dan Snow, Historian, TV Presenter and Broadcaster * Angus Konstam is a master of meticulous maritime research and has brilliantly reignited this stirring tale of mutiny, savage murder, treason and subsequent Royal Navy daring and gallant retaliation and retribution. It is a cracking good read. * Admiral Sir Jock Slater, Royal Navy (rtd.), former First Sea Lord * Angus Konstam has delivered a masterful work. Fast moving, fascinating intrigue, incredible action, and heroic retribution by the Royal Navy. Meticulous research includes a surprising impact on US history. Patrick O'Brian would love this book. I couldn't put it down! * Admiral Jay L. Johnson U.S. Navy (rtd.), former Chief of Naval Operations * Mutiny on the Spanish Main has everything such a history should have: a story which no novelist would dare put before his readers, an exploration of the depths to which unconfined humans can sink... a graphic style which places the reader in the action - and there is action aplenty. What more could any reader want? * Peter Padfield, Author of Nelson's War * Konstam's detective work in archives across the world reveals the astonishing story of what really happened, the characters of the men involved and the convoluted mixture of geopolitics and personality which led to one of the bloodiest chapters in British naval history. * Sian Rees, Author of The Floating Brothel * Angus Konstam starts in the homely surroundings of a pub in Greenwich with two lamented and larger-than-life characters, and takes us to the Caribbean in one of the navy's worst-run ships, in a period of great unrest. He provided a moving and terrifying picture of mutiny and its aftermath in one of the Royal Navy's darkest hours, combined with a thorough understanding of the customs and techniques of the navy of the day. * Brian Lavery, Curator Emeritus, National Museum, Greenwich and author of Nelson's Navy *