ePub Frigates; Sloops and Brigs (Military Classics) by James Henderson in History

Review

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful. Vivid Accounts of Inspiring Bravery Under SailBy James J. BloomFirst of all; Mr. Henderson is an experienced "canvas" sailor. He shows this in every word; and even provides some examples of seamanship from his own background to bolster his tales. Each chapter illustrates some aspect of the character of these independent world cruising hunter-killers. The frigate captains were the functional equivalent of the submarine or surface commerce-raiding helions of the First and Second World Wars. Frigates were not quite powerful enough...in weight of shot per broadside...to join in with the "line of battle ships" in the great fleet-to-fleet contests. Nonetheless their firepower and speed made them superior to most of the vessels they might encounter along the far-flung mercantile trade routes. Because of the poor communications with the commodore to whom they were nominally responsible; let alone the Admiralty; the British frigate captains were pretty much on their own; sailing under general orders they might interpret as circumstances permitted. Just like Francis Drake and the raiders of Elizabeth I's time; these men took their vessels into the midst of formidabbly escorted convoys; fortified and heavily gunned harbors; and even chanced encounters with lone warships carrying almost double their cannon. There are a few negative examples of frigates commanded by spoiled heirs promoted solely due to social connections and those commanded by men who despised their crews; often comprised of desperate gamblers and paroled debtors. However these examples stand out as lonely exceptions. It is hard to realize that many of the shrewd adventurers populating these lively pages are barely into their twenties. One clearly sees the apprenticeship and development of future Nelsons and Cochranes. The chapters are short and to the point. The actions are supported by maps; some at tactical level; as well as contemporary woodcuts and paintings illustrating a number of the actions. To give you an idea of the desperate tactics of these swashbucklers; there are three or four episodes in which the attacking frigate crew finishes their journey as the crew of the conquered vessel; their own ship having been sunk or disabled. The sail and rigging plan of a typical frigate at the front of the book is quite helpful; as is the glossary. There is no bibliography or footnotes; but so authoritatively does the author write; it is as if he had taken part in these sea chases himself.This is the real-life story of Hornblower; Aubrey and Maturin.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Two Great Books for the Price of OneBy Lance C. WilliamsYou can't really tell from this books listing; but it is actually two complete books in one. Henderson wrote "Frigates" in 1970 and "Sloops and Brigs" as a follow up in 1972. This is a huge value and a fascinating look at small ship actions in the Age of Fighting Sail. For any reader of O'Brian; Lambdin; Pope or Forester this book is a great look at the historical accounts that many of the fictional exploits were based. It is equally enjoyable for the serious as well as the casual reader.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Michael LaneI loved this book. It is a non-technical read that anyone with an interest will enjoy!