Commander: The Life and Exploits of Britain's Greatest Frigate Captain

Pellew who is one of the icons of the Royal Navy at its zenith deserved a better biographer. Although his name is well known, particularly as a frigate captain which has tended to obscure his later career which was distinguished, I didn't know too much about him and wanted to learn more. Taylor's book provides a reasonable summary of his career but is unlikely to satisfy those who want more substantial fare. The book is well written but the style is rather superficial journalese than serious historical inquiry. In particular it is loaded with assertions for which only vague evidence is provided. One typical example is the treatment of Pellew's social background which was certainly modest financially but not penurious and his family connections were minor gentry or civilian professional seamen of the officer/proprietor class. According to Taylor his circumstances were far more straitened than this and he was totally without interest, and he criticizes the only other modern biographer C. Northcote Parkinson (a naval historian and author of the famous Peter Principle) for overstating his provenance. There is no doubt Pellew's spectacular rise depended on his massive courage, leadership skills and super competent seamanship, but a 20 year old junior officer who was communicating with Lord Sandwich the First Lord of the Admiralty during the American war of Independence was hardly a rustic nobody. This is a complex issue of relationships but Taylor doesn't really begin to analyse it. There are similar rather questionable assertions about even greater icons of the period like Lord St Vincent, Pitt the Younger and rivals like Sir Thomas Troubridge. So overall well worth buying and reading if you want a topside look at the great man but not a great guide to the real texture of the Georgian navy and its principal ornaments.

very good book. well researched by the author. after reading this book, i feel edward pellew should have received more credit and attention for his services equalling that of admiral nelson and perhaps surpassing him in some instances. the only thing missing from this book that iwould like to see would be how was he during any sea action. how was he hand to hand combat. what was his greatest battle, and what was his worst. was he the 1st to board an enemy ship? was there any close calls for his life? i would still recommend this book to any naval history reader.over all well done.

I found this book to be well written and enjoyable read. The book contained a great deal of information and insight into Edward Pellew's life and times.

Well written history and interesting. An amazing man!

Good product, good price

This history is very well written and reveals the career of a famous naval commander not so well known today. For instance, I had no idea that Admiral Pellew was involved in the revolutionary battles on Lake Champlain in New York, nor did I know of his many exploits over the years with the British navy. My brother is reading it now. Great book.

Very happy that my book came in on time as promised. I immediately started reading and felt like I was in heaven. Thanks so very much.

Great book if you love reading about that historical era.

My 21 year old son has not been able to put the book down. He love's it!

A very interest and quality man.........in the style of Horatio Hornblower, but he was a real person. He was brave, interacted well with his men, who served him very well even in the years when British Naval Mutiny was a problem.