Mutiny: Thomas Kydd 4

Description

It is 1797 and Thomas Kydd is now master s mate on Achilles, a 64-gun ship-of-the-line, on his way back from the Caribbean. After a dangerous rescue mission to Venice Kydd sails for England, but his joy at returning home after many years absence is soon forgotten when he finds himself at the centre of one of the most extraordinary events in English history the Mutiny at the Nore. Ten thousand men, one thousand guns and scores of ships hold the country to ransom: the government is near collapse; the economy on the brink of ruin. And Kydd is faced with a terrible choice. Abandon his friends and shipmates? Or join the rebellion and put his career and even his life on the line?

Julian Stockwin was sent at the age of fourteen to Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. He joined the Royal Navy at fifteen before transferring to the Royal Australian Navy, where he served for eight years in the Far East, Antarctic waters and the South Seas. In Vietnam he saw active service in a carrier task force. After leaving the Navy (rated Petty Officer), Julian practised as an educational psychologist. He lived for some time in Hong Kong, where he was commissioned into the Royal Naval Reserve. He was awarded the MBE and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He now lives in Devon with his wife Kathy. More information can be found on his website at www.JulianStockwin.com.

Praise for Julian Stockwin's previous books: 'I was soon turning over the pages almost indecently fast ... Roll on, the promised adventures of Kydd and Renzi.' -- Independent 'Gripping ... Rich in action and full of interesting characters, this thrilling novel leaves you in awe of the 18th-century seaman.' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph 'The vantage point of the common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist.' -- Guardian 'Stockwin paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line... the harsh naval discipline, the rancid food, and the skill of the common sailor are all skilfully evoked.' -- Daily Express 'Rousing naval adventure series ... Stockwin's richly detailed, if idealized, portrait of life on ship and shore in Britain's oceanic empire is engrossing.' - Publishers Weekly