Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Stockholm : Forum, 1975 ;
Description
April 1803, and the Peace of Amiens is failing as Horatio Hornblower takes a three-master on a vital reconnaissance mission . . . On the day of his marriage to Maria, Hornblower is ordered to take the Hotspur and head for Brest - war is coming and Napoleon will not catch His Majesty's navy with its britches round its ankles. With thoughts of his new life as a husband intruding on his duties, Hornblower must prove himself to be not only the most capable commander in the fleet, but also its most daring if he is to stop the French gaining the upper hand. This is the third of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C. S. Forester's inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Stevil2001
This is the last completed Hornblower novel by publication order. Something I didn't realize before doing this readthrough is that Forester jumps around within his flashback stories; I thought that having gone backward, Forester works his way forward again. But he doesn't. Hornblower and the
But who cares when the result is as good as this? Unlike Atropos, this installment is highly focused, chronicling two years on the Channel blockade, two years where Hornblower distinguishes himself in action, but never manages to win any prize money. His financial and romantic and career fortunes are the threads that tie the novel together as we follow him from escapade to escapade. The incident with the treasure fleet is a particular highlight, and I will always remember where I was the first time I read the chapter where Hornblower is served a delectable feast by an admiral (on a transatlantic flight, eating much less delectable food), lavishly described by Forester. This isn't the best Hornblower book, but it's a solid outing of naval adventure, for the final time.
I've read the incomplete Hornblower during the Crisis before, and it's a curio, worth reading once but not worth rereading, so this will be my last Hornblower book. It's nice that Hornblower's last outing is a good one, and that it takes place in the middle of his career, and that it includes Bush. We don't end with and old man and/or a dead one, but two of the greatest sailors of fiction, in action. One can imagine Hornblower and Bush out there sailing, forever.
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Atropos pretty much leads straight into Beat to Quarters, so to get another prequel adventure in, Forester jumps backward yet again, filling a not-quite-extant gap between Lieutenant and Atropos. He disregards his own continuity to do so, as having Bush as Hornblower's first lieutenant prior to Beat to Quarters really pushes the bounds of plausibility. It's also kind of odd to have Hornblower deal with an inconsequential act of insubordination immediately after a similar incident in Admiral Hornblower in the West Indies, and the solution he chooses here doesn't entirely mesh with the one there. Also also Hornblower knows French in this book, but in the original trilogy he knew Spanish but not French, which he only learned in Flying Colours.But who cares when the result is as good as this? Unlike Atropos, this installment is highly focused, chronicling two years on the Channel blockade, two years where Hornblower distinguishes himself in action, but never manages to win any prize money. His financial and romantic and career fortunes are the threads that tie the novel together as we follow him from escapade to escapade. The incident with the treasure fleet is a particular highlight, and I will always remember where I was the first time I read the chapter where Hornblower is served a delectable feast by an admiral (on a transatlantic flight, eating much less delectable food), lavishly described by Forester. This isn't the best Hornblower book, but it's a solid outing of naval adventure, for the final time.
I've read the incomplete Hornblower during the Crisis before, and it's a curio, worth reading once but not worth rereading, so this will be my last Hornblower book. It's nice that Hornblower's last outing is a good one, and that it takes place in the middle of his career, and that it includes Bush. We don't end with and old man and/or a dead one, but two of the greatest sailors of fiction, in action. One can imagine Hornblower and Bush out there sailing, forever.
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LibraryThing member Nikkles
Hornblower is one of the very best literary characters ever and all of his stories are compelling with lots of gritty action. The language may be difficult for some as it is archaic and filled with jargon, but it is worth it to take the time and enter into the world of the Royal Navy.
LibraryThing member BruderBane
The Horatio Hornblower novels keep getting better and better and “Hornblower and the ‘Hotspur’” is no exception. C.S. Forester takes the trials and tribulations of naval men in early 19th century England and bestows upon them vim, vigor and a joie de vivre seldom seen -to this extent-
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within this genre. Mr. Forester’s indefatigable hero Hornblower is the model for so many historical fiction novel heroes, that it is sometimes hard to tell where Horatio –Horry– ends and the next fretful obstinate hero begins. Filled with thrills and adventure “Hornblower and the ‘Hotspur’” was a delight to read and I am more than anxiously awaiting the next tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member Homechicken
This is the third (chronologically) book of Hornblower's career. In this novel, Hornblower is the commander of the Hotspur, and war is breaking out with France and Napoleon once again. This time Hornblower finds himself as part of a fleet guarding a French port, preventing their ships from setting
I would probably have rated this higher were it not for Hornblower's martyr complex, it seems like he doesn't believe himself worth of anything and balks at any kind of just reward, to an extreme degree. I think Forester tried to make him too flawed, and it made the book more predictable than the previous stories.
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sail. We also see into Hornblower's character a lot more than before, and learn of his odd relationship with his wife, and how deep down it seems he'd really just rather be at sea. At one point Hornblower has a shot at a huge prize in the taking of a Spanish treasure fleet, but he turns away to pursue a French frigate on their way to warn the treasure flotilla.I would probably have rated this higher were it not for Hornblower's martyr complex, it seems like he doesn't believe himself worth of anything and balks at any kind of just reward, to an extreme degree. I think Forester tried to make him too flawed, and it made the book more predictable than the previous stories.
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LibraryThing member 5hrdrive
Didn't care for this one quite as much as "Lieutenant Hornblower". The naval action was every bit as good, in fact the intial showdown with a larger French frigate was outstanding, but the book didn't manage to keep up the same pace as it went along. I think the theme that Hornblower tries too hard
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to be everything to everybody here is a bit overplayed. Still a strong effort and I want to keep right along reading this series. Loved the ending and will miss the character that bows out at the end, as I'm afraid Hornblower will as well. Show Less
LibraryThing member JBreedlove
An easy and captivating read. The details of sailing back in the days when the wind ruled and the life that was lead on the seas working these technically difficult ship is laid out well by Forester. The action and a sense of place all combine for pleasant reading. If only Hornblower would lose
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every once in a while and the French and Spanish not be so inept. But looking forward to the next one. Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
Hornblower may be even more miserable in this book than in some others. He is a mere commander with no realistic hope of promotion, so his pay is meager and his vessel is small. Poverty and seasickness are a constant trouble for him. In spite of all this, he plans and carries out many audacious and
As with other books, Hornblower's misery and self-contempt are a recurrent motif employed for comic effect. At the same time they are realistic enough to excite empathy and provide a kind of catharsis to equally neurotic readers, even those who don't have to deal with French frigates firing at close range into the delicate vessel under their command.
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technically interesting actions appropriate for a commander of a sloop-of-war. As always, he exposes himself to danger frequently because he cannot be confident that any of his subordinates will do the job correctly. The absolute discipline of the Royal Navy and the necessity for any able officer to offer suggestions and even to contradict his superior provide an interesting tension as does the conflict between Hornblower's essential humanity and the harsh discipline of the navy.As with other books, Hornblower's misery and self-contempt are a recurrent motif employed for comic effect. At the same time they are realistic enough to excite empathy and provide a kind of catharsis to equally neurotic readers, even those who don't have to deal with French frigates firing at close range into the delicate vessel under their command.
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
Hornblower was the inspiration for Star Trek's Captain James Kirk, as well as Cornwell's Sharpe. Hornblower is more cerebral and socially awkward than Kirk, more educated and refined than Sharpe. In his own right, Hornblower is certainly an engaging and complex character and the series is an
The friend who recommended these as a teen--we were both in high school--told me to at start with this novel, story of Hornblower's first command, Hornblower and the Hotspur. The first two books, chronologically speaking, really are outliers, the first, Midshipman Hornblower more a collection of short stories than a novel and the second, Lieutenant Hornblower, unlike the others, told from a point of view other than Hornblower's. And I think Hornblower is at his best--in every way--at this point in his career in command of a ship. I think the writing and delineation of Hornblower's character got sharper in ensuing novels, but given my experience I'd say it's an excellent way to start--at least it was for me.
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interesting study in leadership, and a fascinating portrait of life at sea in the age of sail. The friend who recommended these as a teen--we were both in high school--told me to at start with this novel, story of Hornblower's first command, Hornblower and the Hotspur. The first two books, chronologically speaking, really are outliers, the first, Midshipman Hornblower more a collection of short stories than a novel and the second, Lieutenant Hornblower, unlike the others, told from a point of view other than Hornblower's. And I think Hornblower is at his best--in every way--at this point in his career in command of a ship. I think the writing and delineation of Hornblower's character got sharper in ensuing novels, but given my experience I'd say it's an excellent way to start--at least it was for me.
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LibraryThing member DinadansFriend
The number four entry in the hero's life line, but a later Hornblower in composition. The story of Hornblower in his first command, and of his promotion to Post Captain, putting him in the order of Seniority that will make him an admiral (should he live so long) at last. There is a struggle against
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superior force, and a a clever answer to it. What one reads a Hornblower for, of course. Show Less
LibraryThing member Hamburgerclan
Chronologically, this is the fourth book in Hornblower series, telling the tale of Horatio Hornblower's command of the Sloop-of-war HMS Hotspur. He spends over two years on this tour of duty--dealing with espionage, politics, bad weather, homesickness, and, once or twice, actual war. ... That
As I enjoyed the book, I occasionally mused over Star Trek. (I've read that Horatio Hornblower was part of the inspiration for Captain Kirk.) I think one reason I'd rather pick up this novel rather than one of the multitude of Trek novels out there is that Hotspur shows the challenges of not only fighting a war but the regular hardships of keeping a warship afloat and functioning. It's a depth of setting and character that you don't get in lesser works. Anyway, that's why Hornblower and the "Hotspur" goes on my shelf, and will undoubtedly be followed by the other books in the series.
--J.
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didn't sound too exciting, did it? Well, that was my writing. Mr. Forester made it all quite interesting. It was very easy to put my feet up and lose myself in Hornblower's world of 1803. As I enjoyed the book, I occasionally mused over Star Trek. (I've read that Horatio Hornblower was part of the inspiration for Captain Kirk.) I think one reason I'd rather pick up this novel rather than one of the multitude of Trek novels out there is that Hotspur shows the challenges of not only fighting a war but the regular hardships of keeping a warship afloat and functioning. It's a depth of setting and character that you don't get in lesser works. Anyway, that's why Hornblower and the "Hotspur" goes on my shelf, and will undoubtedly be followed by the other books in the series.
--J.
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LibraryThing member TadAD
This starts the meat of the series, in my opinion. Leaving aside the unfinished Hornblower during the Crisis, there's a good run of books from here to Ship of the Line.
LibraryThing member a-shelf-apart
In which Hornblower has infernally bad luck with manservants.
LibraryThing member ritaer
A game of whist leads to a command and Hornblower finds himself on a sloop, rejoined with Lieutenant Burns and facing the trials of long blockade and inevitiable separation from his new bride and coming child.
LibraryThing member karatelpek
I bet George MacDonald Fraser read this, guffawed, and then went on to write the Flashman series.
LibraryThing member charlie68
A compelling voyage on the Hotspur with Captain Hornblower at your side, what fun!
LibraryThing member benkaboo
What I liked about the book:
The character of hornblower: is quite interesting as adventure heroes go. I found myself reflecting from time to time on his extreme and sometimes bipolar characteristics.
Naval manuevers: to the extent a land lubber like me could appreciate this sort of thing I found
What I thought could have been improved:
I would have appreciated a glossary of naval terms and explanations of certain maritime assumptions, as a lot of stuff is taken for granted. I tended to dip into wikipedia a bit as I read which certainly enhanced my enjoyment of the material.
Overall: Slow sea battles are made gripping by the well executed writing.
The character of hornblower: is quite interesting as adventure heroes go. I found myself reflecting from time to time on his extreme and sometimes bipolar characteristics.
Naval manuevers: to the extent a land lubber like me could appreciate this sort of thing I found
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his descriptions of naval manuevers and Hornblowers ingenuity to be very engaging, page-turny sort of stuff. I recently read "The Perfect Storm" and some of the maritime concepts seemed to carry over (which I guess is a good thing given that previous book is roughly nonfiction). What I thought could have been improved:
I would have appreciated a glossary of naval terms and explanations of certain maritime assumptions, as a lot of stuff is taken for granted. I tended to dip into wikipedia a bit as I read which certainly enhanced my enjoyment of the material.
Overall: Slow sea battles are made gripping by the well executed writing.
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LibraryThing member kslade
The first Hornblower novel I read. I loved the series: action, romance, etc. I read a few others too.
LibraryThing member buffalogr
Hornblower in his first captaincy. The plot deals with reconnaissance of the French at Brest and a delivery to Cadiz. In the beginning, he gets married...where did that come from? Read some reviews and found out that I did miss some action, despite being numerically in line--there were some
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intervening booklets. He spends over two years on this tour of duty--dealing with espionage, discipline, avarice, politics, bad weather, homesickness, and, once or twice, actual war. The characters seem true to form, including Lord Cornwallis as the admiral, as a historic character who was the brother of the dude who Washington whipped at Yorktown. I had out my maps of the French coast to try and follow the battle action, but couldn't locate all the spots mentioned around Brest. Add that to a very large dose of 18th century sailor talk and some parts of the read became confusing. Overall, a swashbuckler in line for the next adventure. Show Less
LibraryThing member neurodrew
Hornblower is a very junior captain commanding a small frigate assigned to blockade Brest. His shallow draft ship operates deep into the mouth of the outer harbor. At the beginning of the book Hornblower marries Maria, and is interrupted by Admiral Cornwallis with orders to watch over Brest. At the
Hotspur was the last Hornblower book that Forester wrote, it was published in 1962, and I probably read one of the first paperback editions. I think it was the second book I read about Hornblower, and remains a favorite
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end of many adventures Cornwallis, at the end of his command, uses his traditional power of promotion to make Hornblower a post captain. The Folio volume includes about 70 pages of the unfinished novel "Hornblower in the Crisis". The events of that fragment occur immediately following the story of the Hotspur Hotspur was the last Hornblower book that Forester wrote, it was published in 1962, and I probably read one of the first paperback editions. I think it was the second book I read about Hornblower, and remains a favorite
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1962
ISBN
9137057944 / 9789137057941