These books are contemporary with the Hornblower novels, but a good deal less technical, The descriptions of the ocean and seafaring are vivid. Captain Butterfield is capable of great, unbelievable, stupidity. There was a certain comedy in the ineptness of the gunner and the helmsman, and the fact that only one person on the ship knew how to navigate. But that may very well have been par for the course with small merchantmen of that time.

Miscatalogued by some public libraries as a childrens book; where YA category is available, should be YA. ( )

17-year-old John Spencer is finishing up his apprenticeship on his father's merchantman, the Dragon on its way to the West Indies. John laughs at his father's fears of cannibals and pirates, but things begin to go awry when the Dragon picks up a castaway in the middle of the ocean - a man feared as a Jonah. The truth, however, may be far more sinister as the Dragon is swept into the path of the fearsome buccaneer Bartholomew Grace and his lust for treasure.

The historical flavor is well done, and the details are nicely explained in an author's note at the end. John Spencer remains honorable and steadfast, but he's no paragon of virtue either. His lack of attention to his studies lands the crew in significant trouble. But he shows great courage and good sense as well.

The only thing that bothered me really was the climactic scene. Bartholomew Grace was built up as this hugely fearsome pirate - so brutal and horrid that it is barely imaginable, yet his fate seems over much too quickly and without adequate payoff. I kept expecting him to re-emerge as a character. Aside from that minor quibble, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and I would highly recommend it to those seeking an adventurous (or nautical) read.

More at my blog ( )