In Gallant Company

by Alexander Kent

Book Overview

As the American Revolution rages on the mainland, the British Navy prepares for action at sea. Against a growing fleet of American and French privateers, the navy must maintain its blockade of Washington's vital military supplies. Caught up in the turmoil, junior officer Richard Bolitho finds himself having to make momentous decisions in the heat of battle--decisions that could affect the lives of many men and, perhaps, even the fate of nations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0935526439
• ISBN13: 9780935526431
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: McBooks Press
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.89 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Book purchase

The merchandise was exactly as promised and arrived quickly. I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

Great book.

This is the fifth book (in terms of the story--not the 5th written) in Kent's Richard Bolitho series. Our hero must fight in the American Revolution on the American coast adn the Caribbean. In on adventure, he must help take and destroy an American fort. The rest of the time, he more or less fights privateers. What's good about this book? Well, there is just plenty of action. Kent keeps the book moving along pretty well from one adventure to the next. If you like a series with plenty of fighting, then this is the series for you. Also, it's a pretty easy read. The reader doesn't get lost in a lot of jargon. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading the next.

Another great sea story by Alexander Kent

Richard Bolitho is assigned in this story as fourth lieutenant on the 80 gun two-decker third rate ship-of-the-line, Trojan. The year is 1777 and they are anchored off Staten Island as part if the inshore squadron under Admiral Coutt. Trojan's captain is the remote Captain Pears, and the first lieutenant a man named Cairns. In our modern navy, Cairns would be called the Executive Officer--next under the captain in the chain-of-command.There is much action for Trojan, both as convoy escort, and in attacking a fort in North Carolina and again in the Carribean. Bolitho is of course heavily involved, in shore parties, as well as sea battles, and eventually gets temporary command of a prize and undergoes a sea battle in his own command.This is a great series, and Kent (a pseudonym) displays more than a speaking acquaintance with the royal navy, its customs and conditions, in the late 18th century (not the 19th, as the Library Journal says in their review).This is the third in the Richard Bolitho series, preceded by Midshipman Bolitho, and Stand into Danger. I am currently reading the fourth book in the series, Sloop of War. It is a thoroughly entertaining series, especially (but not exclusively) for aficianados of sea stories, and particularly historical square-riggers.I recommend that the reader begin with the first book of the series, Midshipman Bolitho, and read them in order as they portray the protagonist, Richard Bolitho, through his career in sequential order. Each story does stand alone, however.It is interesting to see the American Revolution through the eyes of an officer in the Royal Navy.Joseph (Joe) Pierre, USN (Ret)author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenanceand other books

5 shattered yard arms for Bolitho?s 3rd (or 4th)

Of all the writers of historical naval fiction, Alexander Kent has by far the most inspiring titles. His titles suggest action and adventure and his novels appear to deliver. Unfortunately, readers might be inclined to take this novel less seriously than it warrants because of the title. That would be a shame as In Gallant Company has serious themes to it.In Gallant Company is set in 1777 during the American Revolution and features Richard Bolitho who starts as a lowly lieutenant on a ship with 6 of them. The parallels to the British position in the 13 colonies and the American position in Vietnam are extensive; long supply lines, no great sense of purpose, atrocities on both sides, overwhelming firepower that is essentially useless, large neutral countries supporting the enemy and the inability to readily tell friend from foe. Some of the rebels have English accents and some of the royalists have American accents. Bolitho is participating in a truly nasty civil war.The Revolution is the "bloody war" that junior naval officers look for and advancement comes to the talented Bolitho as much through attrition as through his heroism. War, as Kent describes it, is brutal and some horrible injuries are described graphically. While the title implies action, and Kent delivers it in spades, In Gallant Company is very realistic in its details especially in the effects of shot and shell on men.In Gallant Company is an action tour-de-force and is suitable for all ages old enough to read it.