The Life and Times of Horatio Hornblower

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Book Title:

The Life and Times of Horatio Hornblower

Author:

C. Northcote Parkinson

ISBN:

0-7607-0944-0

Category:

Fiction

Format:

Multiple

Summary:

Fun and informative, this book is a fictional biography of Horatio Hornblower. The premise is that C.S. Forrester’s collection of Hornblower novels was not a set of fictitious stories, but actual histories of the navy man’s exploits; Forrester researched primary source documents at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. Hornblower made a provision that upon the 100th anniversary of his death, a letter was to be opened that explained his side of a given story (no spoiling here – you must read it for yourself). The author of the present book was privy to the letter’s existence, but was unable to secure it from Hornblower’s family, at first. However, he was allowed to collect the letter, and in so doing, became aware of additional boxes of Hornblower’s papers. Utilizing the newfound resources, he set about writing the biography we have here.

The book traces the career of Hornblower from schoolboy to admiral: his ships, his mates, and his exploits. Included are letters written by Hornblower, and black-and-white photographs and drawings of people, places, documents, maps, and ships. For those who wished the Hornblower series had not ended, this is a chance to relive the legend himself.

I own this book, so if you ever need anything from it or others I have, please let me know. Other titles can be found in my photo album - Age of Sail Library.