Hornblower And The HOTSPUR

Michael Joseph, 1962 First Printing of the First UK hardback Edition. The brilliant David Cobb jacket is unclipped and now protected. It has very few small clippings, none of which intrude on anything important. Even the spine of the jacket is almost unsigned. This has been read but well looked after. The time April 1803. Hornblower who, directly after his wedding ceremony, is ordered to take his ship, the HMS Hotspur, to observe the French coast, Channel ports, and around to the Bay of Biscay. This, his first command as Master and Commander, gives ample opportunity to help thwart the ambitions of Napoleon, who is building ships and amassing supplies for an attempt to cross the Channel and invade England. At 27, Hornblower has already had adventures which have brought him praise and notice. And with the Hotspur his exploits tumble one after the other. Reconnaissance, daring shore raids, cutting out expeditions and skillful navigating in treacherous tidal waters bring the reality of the blockade to the fore. A super read, as with all these great books. There are a few age spots on the text block edges but the board cover is sturdy and - because it has been inside a jacket - the blue binding is unfaded and the gilt titling is bright. A great collectable!. 1st Edition.. Hardcover. Near Fine/Near Fine.