The Complete Midshipman Bolitho

By Alexander Kent and Douglas Reeman

Book Overview

Three novels in one Sixteen-year-old Richard Bolitho joins the British Royal Navy as a young midshipman. Follow his adventures as he undergoes a severe initiation into the dangerous world of the great sailing warships.

1. Richard Bolitho: Midshipman 1772: A young Richard Bolitho joins the 74-gun Gorgon. Naive and untested, Bolitho must learn the ways of the navy quickly if he is to survive.

2. Midshipman Bolitho and the Avenger 1773: Bolitho returns home to Cornwall for Christmas, but smuggling, shipwrecking, and witchcraft tear apart his once-peaceful community.

3. Band of Brothers 1774: Bolitho stands on the brink of manhood and takes his examination to begin his true career as a King's Officer. But soon he must test his mettle against vicious smugglers

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590131274
• ISBN13: 9781590131275
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: McBooks Press
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Vintage Naval fiction

Alexander Kent (Douglas Reeman) is a consummate story teller. His ability to identify with his character, to get into the mind of the character and to portray the people who mould and shape him is what makes these books such an excellent read. That and his encyclopedic knowledge of the ships, the guns and the conditions aboard them puts the reader right alongside the hero and his people as they are soaked by freezing spray, battered by wind and waves or skinning their shins and their knuckles clambering among the rocks of a forbidding coast seeking smugglers and traitors. Kent has been a favourite read of mine since I first encountered his writing and he has never dissappointed me yet! He can still move me to rage with the corruption and treason of the politicians his heroes must deal with and move me to tears with the description of friendships interupted by death - a constant companion in those wooden ships manned by iron men in cramped and crowded conditions difficult for us to envisage today. This is a rewarding read for anyone who loves naval historical fiction.

Great book!

This is the omnibus edition of the first three Richard Bolitho novels by Alexander Kent (Midshipman Bolitho, Bolitho and the Avenger, and Band of Brothers). The first two were written decades ago, but Band of Brothers only a couple years ago. I am not sure why kent waited so long to wrap up Bolitho's career as a Midshipman. Well, he finally did and this is the way it should have been from the start. Since each book by itself was rather short, this collection is not too big. We get a clear picture of our hero as he begins his ascent up the rank ladder. There is a lot of action. For anyone who wants battles and plot twists, this is the series for you. Kent doesn't bore the reader with unnecessary descriptions. Everything moves along at a good pace. A great introduction to the naval fiction genre.

Historical Fiction

Alexander Kent makes you believe your in the late 18th century aboard a ship of the line in the Royal Navy. Definitely recommend the book.

I am a Bolitho-holic

I have sworn off tobacco and alcohol. I hate illegal substances and have surrendered to complete sobriety. Sugar and chocolate, too much coffee, excessive red meat, more than modest amounts of dairy products, obsessive exercise and other anti-social habits--I have put them all behind me. But please, dear Lord, please allow me a singular pleasure in life. Let me revel in by Bolitholism and enjoy each adventure ad infinitum. Amen.

Great book, great author

Wonderful book. Thanks for sending it in a timely manner. Have enjoyed all the books in this series. Alexander Kent is one of the best authors and would highly recommend any of his books.