Mr. Midshipman Hornblower — C.S. Forester

In this, the first book of the classic Hornblower saga, we meet the indomitable young Horatio, and discover firsthand how he rode the seas to become the sterling old seadog of the Royal Navy and one of the greatest fictional heroes of all time.

It is 1793, the time of the Napoleonic Wars, and Midshipman Hornblower is a shy lad of but seventeen years. England is at war with France, and Spain is about to join the fray. In an exciting series of exploits--through storm, fire and blood-- our fighting young sailor finally wins his commission as junior lieutenant. It is already clear that Horatio Hornblower is destined to become a legend in his time.

Come aboard HMS Indefatigable for a voyage into those illustrious days when the great wooden ships were manned by heroic men of iron ...