NAPOLEONIC WARS
"Captain Kilburnie" by Adm. William P.
Mack 
This book is similar in style to the great books of Captain Frederick Marryat. The writing is simple in style and straight forward. The main character starts low and ends high. Not one of the greatest of this genre that I have read, but I loved this book.
Angus Kilburnie is a young Scotsman that is caught with the daughter of an Irish lord and banished. He decides to make his life at sea as did his Grandfather. With the aid of his naval veteran Uncle, he is assigned to a "good ship" and does well. He is promoted from the ranks to midshipman and through good service to lieutenant. As lieutenant on a new ship, he has a foul captain and is pawned of by the bad captain to serve as First Lieutenant on a transport (a converted 74). He goes on to do great deeds on this ship and beyond. To disclose more would spoil the fun. Filled with good characters and sharp actions. If you love books about the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, this one is not to be missed. I anxiously await the sequel.
Be sure to check out the excellent WWII Destroyer books by Adm. Mack. Especially don't miss "South to Java", one of the greatest works of fiction I have ever read in any category!
Reviewed by Kenneth S. Smith, 9 December 1999
Available from:
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402-5035
(800) 233-8764
