Will has
87 books
(11 selected)
—
compare books
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stats
| # | cover | title | author | isbn | isbn13 | asin | num pages | avg rating | num ratings | date pub | date pub (ed.) | rating | my rating | review | notes | recommender | comments | votes | read count | date started | date read | date added | date purchased | owned | purchase location | condition |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2
| 
| 0316290637
| 9780316290630
| 4.16
| 3,645
| 1952
| Nov 16, 1998
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
10
| 
| 0316289434
| 9780316289436
| 3.98
| 2,205
| 1946
| Nov 02, 1989
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
3
| 
| 0316290467
| 9780316290463
| 4.15
| 3,022
| 1962
| Nov 01, 1998
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
5
| 
| 0316289299
| 9780316289290
| 4.09
| 2,604
| 1953
| Apr 30, 1985
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
4
| 
| 0316289442
| 9780316289443
| 3.91
| 1,696
| 1967
| Apr 18, 1990
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
11
| 
| 0316289418
| 9780316289412
| 3.95
| 1,883
| 1957
| Nov 02, 1989
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
6
| 
| 0316289329
| 9780316289320
| 4.20
| 3,374
| 1937
| Sep 30, 1985
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
7
| 
| 0316289361
| 9780316289368
| 4.23
| 2,485
| 1938
| Sep 30, 1985
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
8
| 
| 0316289396
| 9780316289399
| 4.21
| 2,150
| 1938
| Apr 05, 1989
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
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1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
9
| 
| 0316289388
| 9780316289382
| 4.09
| 2,315
| 1945
| Apr 05, 1989
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
1
| 
| 0316290602
| 9780316290609
| 4.05
| 4,565
| 1950
| Jun 28, 1998
|
This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual boo...more This review is for the complete 11-book series of THE HORNBLOWER SAGA by C.S. Forester, which I just finished reading last night. [Note: Individual books have individual star ratings (mostly 5-star, a few 4-star), but the descriptive review will be the same for each, and encompass the entire series, as follows.] Actually, I just finished reading the complete series for the second time, the first being as a teenager some 30 years ago. It's remarkable to me that I have only just this moment realized that my own timeline regarding the two readings corresponds almost exactly to the age progression experienced by the main character in the course of these 11 novels. It's a 30-year journey unlike any other I have ever taken in books - full and deep and satisfying. This is the epic saga of fictional British naval hero HORATIO HORNBLOWER, who goes from a 17-year-old midshipman to a 46-year-old admiral during the "golden age of sail" which encompasses the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century. I'll list the 11 books in chronological order (not the order they were written), which is the best way, I believe, to read them: - MR. MIDSHIPMAN HORNBLOWER - LIEUTENANT HORNBLOWER - HORNBLOWER AND THE HOTSPUR - HORNBLOWER DURING THE CRISIS - HORNBLOWER AND THE ATROPOS - BEAT TO QUARTERS - SHIP OF THE LINE - FLYING COLOURS - COMMODORE HOWNBLOWER - LORD HORNBLOWER - ADMIRAL HORNBLOWER IN THE WEST INDIES I've read other sea-faring novels, but to me, Forester earns the crown. Why? Many reasons, but I'll list just three: 1. All the rousing action you could ask for in a well-paced adventure series... 2. ...coupled with a complex main character. This is the true secret of the Hornblower books - that Hornblower himself is not some one-dimensional, infallible, faultless hero. On the contrary, he is filled with self-doubt and doesn't always choose the best course, especially in personal matters. But by building the main character this way, Forester allows you to recognize, empathize, and eventually care deeply about him - rooting for his success rather than merely expecting it. It's this complex characterization that complements and actually allows for the heroics of the plot - because it all comes at a price. [One price is so high that, as a teenager, I couldn't believe that Forester had actually done it. I can't go into detail because this is a spoiler-free review, but something happens that is so devastating that literally for entire books afterwards, I kept expecting Forester to make amends. But it doesn't happen. And finally, as an older adult - knowing it will happen, knowing there will be no reprieve - I realize Forester was saying, "This is the price of war."] 3. The Language of Sailing Ships: I'm not nautically-minded, and there is much use of nautical language in these books. But rather than being annoyed, I had a very different reaction. First, I learned a few things. But much more importantly, I also grew to appreciate the language itself, whether I understood its technical details or not. To me, it became like poetry. Or even music. And I loved it. All 11 books. It's an investment, to be sure. But, for those "able-bodied", a wonderfully entertaining journey awaits. Should you set sail? Aye-aye! (less) | Notes are private!
| none
|
1
| not set
| not set
|
Oct 17, 2011
| Hardcover
|
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