Overview

The frozen splendor of the Arctic Ocean and the absorbing drama of a nineteenth-century whale hunt unfold in The Corvette. Rewarded by promotion for his services at the Battle of Copenhagen, Commander Drinkwater is dispatched in haste to replace the captain of the Melusine, who has been shot in a duel. The ship sails as an escort to a whaling fleet on its annual expedition to the Greenland Sea in pursuit of right whales. During the whale hunt, the loss of one of the vessels sets off a chain of misfortune. Disaster, death, and treachery result. To repair his ship, Drinkwater seeks shelter off the Greenland coast and finds more hazards than the Arctic alone can produce. It is here that Drinkwater makes the most difficult decision of his career.

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9781493059560

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Reviews

". . . for all who like to read about naval action in the 19th century, told with gusto and bravura. -- ""Publishing News"" Action to the bone, no romantic bilge-water. -- ""Observer"" Brilliantly told . . . the characters are real and lively, the language similar; but above all it is a convincing and compulsive seafaring story. -- ""Oxford Times"" Packed with exciting incident worthy of wide appeal to those who love thrilling nautical encounters and the sea. -- ""Nautical Magazine"" Rich in detail, historically accurate, and displaying a masterly knowledge of the technical aspects of ships under sail, Woodman's novel is comparable to sea fiction by masters such as C.S. Forester and Alexander Kent in its evocation of the past age of wooden ships and iron men. Highly recommended for public libraries. -- ""Library Journal"" There is no doubt that Nathaniel Drinkwater rates up there with the best of the nautical world. -- ""Midwest Book Review"" Those looking for high seas action and historical intrigue are in luck . . . -- ""Publishers Weekly"" Well written and exciting. -- ""Latitudes & Attitudes"" Woodman knows his ships and the sea and is a craftsman of great ability. -- ""Guernsey Evening Press"""

Author Information

"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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