Mutiny: Thomas Kydd 4 - Hardcover

Stockwin, Julian

4.02

1,053 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340794798 ISBN 13: 9780340794791

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2003

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It is 1797 when Kydd, now a master's mate, sails to the fabled Rock of Gibraltar - the uttermost end of Europe, the finality of a continent. There, in an attempt to win the heart of a lady, he volunteers to join a dangerous mission to Venice to rescue a diplomat fleeing over the Alps in the wake of Buonaparte's victories. With his enigmatic, high-born friend, Nicholas Renzi, Kydd experiences the tumultuous, heady last days of the Venetian republic.

Back in Gibraltar, Kydd sets sail for England, desperately longed-for after many years' absence, and becomes centrally involved in 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.

The insurrection fails - but the Dutch Fleet at Texel now threatens the very survival of England; should they prevail the country will be lost to the French in hours. In the bloody Battle of Camperdown that ensues, Kydd and Renzi experience all the horror of a major Fleet action, but emerge victorious.

The book is based on dramatic true events that have seldom been written about before.

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Review:

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

'Based on little-known historical fact, but the appeal of the story is in the telling, which is atmospheric, authentic and disclosed from the unusual perspective of the ordinary sailor working his way up the ranks. Genre fiction at its best . . . The author had a long career in the Royal Navy, which adds to his prose that extra dash of salty realism.' - Publishing News

'Julian Stockwin tells his sea story with a proper amount of salt and nice attention to historical detail. His hero Tom Kydd takes us inside the action at two of the defining events of 1797 - the Nore Mutiny and the Battle of Camperdown - for a thrilling read.' - Tyrone G. Martin

Gripping . . . Rich in action and full of interesting characters, this thrilling novel leaves you in awe of the 18th-century seaman.' - Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Leaves the reader almost tasting the sea-salt on the wind and wanting to search out the previous books . . . Long live Kydd (Good Book Guide)

The vantage point of the common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist. In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world. (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)

Breath-stopping detail ... An engaging sea yarn. (Kirkus Reviews)

'A storming sea story that should carry a force nine warning.' The Northern Echo (The Northern Echo)

From the Author:

To my surprise when I started research for this book I found that little had actually been written about the Mutiny at the Nore. Given the nature of the rebellion, and what could have happened had it been successful, this took me somewhat aback. Piecing together the main elements – and the key historical figures was a fascinating exercise and I found myself in strong sympathy with Tom Kydd’s stand. Later, like many of the mutineers, he was swept along in events beyond his control. Obviously I could not let Tom be hung at the yardarm for his part in the mutiny – or the series would have ended there – so I had to find a credible way of saving him that would not ruin his chances for further progression in the Navy.

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