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The Journals of Matthew Quinton #1
J D Davies 1st edit/1 print Gentleman Captain First Edition 2010 [Hardcover] Davies, J.D
This rare and vintage book is a perfect addition to any bibliophile's collection
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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About the author
J.D. Davies
28 books53 followersAuthor of 'The Journals of Matthew Quinton', a series of naval historical fiction set in the Restoration period, and of non-fiction books including 'Pepys's Navy' and 'Blood of Kings'. Currently living in Bedfordshire, UK, but originally from Llanelli in West Wales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 4, 2022
Focusing on a period of our military history that is often neglected, i.e ; the Royal Navy at the time of The Restoration, Gentlemen Captain is an engaging and entertaining novel.
The pace of the book is rather slow for much of it but is more than compensated by the excellent characterisations,plot and authentic period detail that is certainly on a par with the likes of C.J Sansom.
The action when it comes is violent, bloody and brutal.
Definitely recommend for all fans of military 🪖 history.
3.75 🌟
The pace of the book is rather slow for much of it but is more than compensated by the excellent characterisations,plot and authentic period detail that is certainly on a par with the likes of C.J Sansom.
The action when it comes is violent, bloody and brutal.
Definitely recommend for all fans of military 🪖 history.
3.75 🌟
November 27, 2024
Ich hatte in der Vergangenheit mal Teile dieser Reihe gelesen, aber nie alle Bücher. Höchste Zeit, das zu ändern. So ein klassischer historischer Roman ist auch mal was - mit Abenteuern, geheimen Missionen und einem Helden, der gleich auf Seite 2 sein Schiff versenkt. Was für ein Könner! (Aber er bessert sich und das ist das Unterhaltsame an der Geschichte.)
April 13, 2022
This was a very enjoyable read as the author gives us interesting time period, interesting characters and portrayals of life on a ship off the coast of Scotland in perilous waters and perilous times, 1661. The story is told narrative style with older man looking back on his experiences following his father's example.
I should add that this first book of the series is offered for 99cents from Amazon on Kindle to encourage readership, one assumes. That will not apply to the remaining 8 books.
I should add that this first book of the series is offered for 99cents from Amazon on Kindle to encourage readership, one assumes. That will not apply to the remaining 8 books.
October 24, 2010
As a fan of the Patrick O'Brian, and Hornblower novels I was hoping for a good new series along the same lines. This book being written by a Naval historian is a start of a very promising series set in the century before the O'Brian novels. A "Gentleman Captain" was a class of captains taken from the nobility to captain a ship despite their lack of seafaring knowledge - on the job training starting as Captain or another officer.
In this book the brother of a Duke meets disastrous consequences when becoming Captain of a ship in serious troubles and then goes on to another ship because of political intrigue. This captain is trying to do his best and learn the ship and his quite aware of how disastrous his ignorance can be, though his ambitions run to soldiering.
Davies provides excellent historical details of the time and paints the story in such a way that the characters and the times become alive. This novel does not try to be a copycat of the O'Brian series and has a lot of new elements involving this historical times. There is a lot to recommend in this novel which includes political intrigue and the suspicious death of a ship's Captain. Also very exciting as everything comes to a point and the novel wraps up and the whole premise of the series left me anticipating further novels of this Gentleman Captain.
In this book the brother of a Duke meets disastrous consequences when becoming Captain of a ship in serious troubles and then goes on to another ship because of political intrigue. This captain is trying to do his best and learn the ship and his quite aware of how disastrous his ignorance can be, though his ambitions run to soldiering.
Davies provides excellent historical details of the time and paints the story in such a way that the characters and the times become alive. This novel does not try to be a copycat of the O'Brian series and has a lot of new elements involving this historical times. There is a lot to recommend in this novel which includes political intrigue and the suspicious death of a ship's Captain. Also very exciting as everything comes to a point and the novel wraps up and the whole premise of the series left me anticipating further novels of this Gentleman Captain.
June 14, 2013
There have been numerous authors trying their hand in the same genre with Patrick O'Brian, but no one has truly been able to match the quality of his naval historical fiction. J.D. Davies' entry, Gentleman Captain, is a fine entry to the genre however, and manages to make itself different enough from those who have gone before. One of the main differences is the era. The novel is set in the latter half of the 17th century and offers a nice view of the post Civil War England.
The only downside of the novel is that very little actually happens at sea. The story mostly deals with the political situation in Scotland and a murder mystery that is somehow connected to it.
A minor gripe is the way Davies uses the word epee as a reference to the sword a certain Frenchman carries. This word is a modern invention (in English) and refers to the smallsword, or duelling sword, that followed Rapiers. In any case, rapiers were still very much a thing in the 17th century, while lighter duelling-only swords appeared in the following century.
Nevertheless, this was a fine read and I will certainly check out how the series continues and especially if we'll see more naval life in the future.
The only downside of the novel is that very little actually happens at sea. The story mostly deals with the political situation in Scotland and a murder mystery that is somehow connected to it.
A minor gripe is the way Davies uses the word epee as a reference to the sword a certain Frenchman carries. This word is a modern invention (in English) and refers to the smallsword, or duelling sword, that followed Rapiers. In any case, rapiers were still very much a thing in the 17th century, while lighter duelling-only swords appeared in the following century.
Nevertheless, this was a fine read and I will certainly check out how the series continues and especially if we'll see more naval life in the future.
October 3, 2010
The author's expertise was very evident and his descriptions made the book come to life. For those not used to old english type grammar, this may be a hard read. Some of the words used are not familiar in today's language. But that aside, the story was great and kept me turning the page. The author also was very good at describing 17th century England and much of the living conditions both on land and at sea. I could easily picture the drafty, ill-kept old castle that Captain Matthew Quinton and his family resided in. All-in-all it was a very good book and one I would recommend especially to those who like this era of history.
August 18, 2016
BETTER THAN PATRICK O'BRIAN. PROOF THAT NAVAL HISTORICAL FICTION CAN BE ENGAGING AND INFORMATIVE. CHARACTERS REALISTIC, NAUTICAL TERMINOLOGY EXPLAINED
I have never been a great fan of Naval historical fiction. I read one book by Patrick O'Brian which put me off the genre almost for life. All the nautical terms left me bewildered. I didn't like O'Brian's characters. These factors are overcome for me by J. D. Davies. He has selected as the primary character someone who is the same as me: someone who is ignorant of nautical terminology and a character with whom I can identify.
Step in Captain Matthew Quinton a Gentleman Captain to whom all the nautical terms are an equal mystery. The author engages the reader from the start introducing characters who are a real mixed bag. The book for me was made by the interplay between the characters.
It is done so successfully. In addition the author displays a regular amount of dry wit which made me chortle. Not an easy task for any author to successfully carry off. The name of Godsgift Judge alone brings a smile to your face. Yes, names such as this were relatively commonplace in this period of English History. I am nonetheless so grateful that Matthew Quinton bears a traditional name as does another no doubt recurring character, Kit Farrell.
This is the first novel of a series written by J. D. Davies about Captain Matthew Quinton and I enjoyed this novel so much I will definitely read others in the series. The story is told from the perspective of a very elderly Matthew Quinton reminiscing on his life. The period in which this book is set is an exciting one from a historical perspective. The Restoration of 1660, the plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. This book places us at the start of the 1660's just after Charles II's restoration to the Crown. We learn much about the delicate politics at play as the King tries to unite a divided nation recovering from the Civil War and the Republican Commonwealth of Oliver (or Null as he is often referred to in this book) Cromwell. These politics affected the navy and the author displays considerable knowledge of the period as he deftly sets the plot. Real naval action only descends in the later part of the book but when it does we are provided with a truly gruesome and graphic picture of battle on the high seas (or in this particular book, Scottish seas). I recommend this book without hesitation to others for their education and enjoyment. A very good book and wonderful escapist read. I have already ordered the next journal (or Book) in the Series.
(NB This review is of an electronic proof copy provided by the publisher and has not influenced my review of this book.)
I have never been a great fan of Naval historical fiction. I read one book by Patrick O'Brian which put me off the genre almost for life. All the nautical terms left me bewildered. I didn't like O'Brian's characters. These factors are overcome for me by J. D. Davies. He has selected as the primary character someone who is the same as me: someone who is ignorant of nautical terminology and a character with whom I can identify.
Step in Captain Matthew Quinton a Gentleman Captain to whom all the nautical terms are an equal mystery. The author engages the reader from the start introducing characters who are a real mixed bag. The book for me was made by the interplay between the characters.
It is done so successfully. In addition the author displays a regular amount of dry wit which made me chortle. Not an easy task for any author to successfully carry off. The name of Godsgift Judge alone brings a smile to your face. Yes, names such as this were relatively commonplace in this period of English History. I am nonetheless so grateful that Matthew Quinton bears a traditional name as does another no doubt recurring character, Kit Farrell.
This is the first novel of a series written by J. D. Davies about Captain Matthew Quinton and I enjoyed this novel so much I will definitely read others in the series. The story is told from the perspective of a very elderly Matthew Quinton reminiscing on his life. The period in which this book is set is an exciting one from a historical perspective. The Restoration of 1660, the plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666. This book places us at the start of the 1660's just after Charles II's restoration to the Crown. We learn much about the delicate politics at play as the King tries to unite a divided nation recovering from the Civil War and the Republican Commonwealth of Oliver (or Null as he is often referred to in this book) Cromwell. These politics affected the navy and the author displays considerable knowledge of the period as he deftly sets the plot. Real naval action only descends in the later part of the book but when it does we are provided with a truly gruesome and graphic picture of battle on the high seas (or in this particular book, Scottish seas). I recommend this book without hesitation to others for their education and enjoyment. A very good book and wonderful escapist read. I have already ordered the next journal (or Book) in the Series.
(NB This review is of an electronic proof copy provided by the publisher and has not influenced my review of this book.)
August 21, 2021
This tale of 17th century drama on the high seas does not disappoint. In a world of espionage and duplicity, Captain Matthew Quinton and master’s mate Kit Ferrell forge a friendship that benefits them both. The details of sailing a tall ship, the descriptions of sea and sky, the politics of England at that time, even the horrific battle scenes—all contribute to a compelling narrative that is well worth one’s time and attention.
April 11, 2022
A new discovery for me, a set of sea novels and for once its set in a different time period than the Napoleonic Wars. Gentleman Captain is set in the Restoration, 2 years after Charles II is crowned King of England, young Matthew Quinton is given a ship, which then promptly wrecks leaving him and the sailing master the only survivors. Matthew vows to learn about the ship, since he was appointed captain for being of noble blood rather than skill and experience.
Charles II was nervous of previous Naval captains, many of whom were loyal to the Cromwell cause, and decided on a policy of having nobility as captain, no matter how little experience they had. As a result men like Matthew were given command of ships where the lowest ranking sailor knew more than the Captain did about sailing and fighting a ship.
This is a very well written story more along the lines of Patrick O'Brian than, say, Dudley Pope. The story is pretty fresh -- a very inexperienced captain with a ship that has terrible gunnery facing complex political trickery and uncertain alliances in Scotland.
Charles II was nervous of previous Naval captains, many of whom were loyal to the Cromwell cause, and decided on a policy of having nobility as captain, no matter how little experience they had. As a result men like Matthew were given command of ships where the lowest ranking sailor knew more than the Captain did about sailing and fighting a ship.
This is a very well written story more along the lines of Patrick O'Brian than, say, Dudley Pope. The story is pretty fresh -- a very inexperienced captain with a ship that has terrible gunnery facing complex political trickery and uncertain alliances in Scotland.
May 9, 2021
Wow! What a book!
I usually don't click with fiction - this was the exception.
Davies does a brilliant job of highlighting a time that hasn't seen much love - the late 17th century English Navy. Much nautical fiction is based in Nelson's Navy (understandably), so this is a fresh (pardon the pun) breath of sea air!
A passing knowledge of the time helps to understand what and why is going on, but those new to the period need not fear. Davies, who I understand is an expert in this area, does a really good job of introducing us through the titular character - Matthew Quinton, a gentleman with no knowledge of the sea. As the novel progresses, we learn with him about the world of the high seas.
The story is more a work on the politics and intrigue of the time, but this never bogs down the work in boring beurocracy or depart too far from the ship. And the last few chapters - I had to stay up late to see how it ended! By the end you are hungering for the next work.
PS: The audiobook version on Audible is also fantastic!
I usually don't click with fiction - this was the exception.
Davies does a brilliant job of highlighting a time that hasn't seen much love - the late 17th century English Navy. Much nautical fiction is based in Nelson's Navy (understandably), so this is a fresh (pardon the pun) breath of sea air!
A passing knowledge of the time helps to understand what and why is going on, but those new to the period need not fear. Davies, who I understand is an expert in this area, does a really good job of introducing us through the titular character - Matthew Quinton, a gentleman with no knowledge of the sea. As the novel progresses, we learn with him about the world of the high seas.
The story is more a work on the politics and intrigue of the time, but this never bogs down the work in boring beurocracy or depart too far from the ship. And the last few chapters - I had to stay up late to see how it ended! By the end you are hungering for the next work.
PS: The audiobook version on Audible is also fantastic!
October 3, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book that I received through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. The author's expertice on the British navy in the seventeenth-century brings the story to life. The descriptions of shipboard life and the portrayal of shipboard working relationships help enhance the story. The author creates memorable characters and sets them against a rich historical background. The story is set in post Cromwell England. The British Navy is in a period of adjustment and thus Gentleman Captains are born. The hero of this book is a second son of a noble family with limited naval experience. As the story unfolds, we see him mature into a Captain who is respected by his men. The story weaves together personal and political intrigue with several interesting plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes History.
October 3, 2019
Very good. I had not heard of this series but picked up the first three books in a charity shop. This the first one was good. I liked the fact it was set in Charles the Seconds time rather than later like Sharpe and Hornblower, a period of history I wasn't too knowledgable about. The characters and story were believable and I will certainly keep racing them.
January 7, 2016
One of our regulars recommended this series a couple of months ago so we ordered a few. Everyone who has picked up a copy so far has told us how much they enjoyed this book. A definite customer favorite!
September 17, 2019
First published in 2009, 'Gentleman Captain' is the first in a series about Matthew Quinton, a Captain in the King's Navy in the late 17th century. Much of the novel is spent introducing the main characters and establishing the setting, so different from the many seafaring tales set in the Napoleonic era. In most novels of this sort, the Captain's orders form the backbone of the plot, whereas in this case it is more of a subplot, clearly secondary to the story of the characters. This is not a bad thing, as the result is remarkable and difficult to put down.
May 10, 2021
It is always a joy to find a new author with a new story to tell. The years after The Reformation are not a time I know well, and this book has tweaked my curiosity enough to find out more.
As for the book itself, it had bits that lagged, but that, I think, is down to introducing the main characters of the series. The novel gathered pace as the focus moved from England to Scotland and proved to be a rewarding read. I look forward to reading more about Matthew Quinton and his career in The Reformation navy.
As for the book itself, it had bits that lagged, but that, I think, is down to introducing the main characters of the series. The novel gathered pace as the focus moved from England to Scotland and proved to be a rewarding read. I look forward to reading more about Matthew Quinton and his career in The Reformation navy.
June 24, 2020
Good fun
I love stories of the sea, particularly those of ships dependent on sails and the heart countenance of man to get her where she needs to go. Add to that a tale of intrigue, suspense and some naval battles and I was more than content. The icing on the cake was the detail provided to the characters. All of which provided a flavour of life in the Royal Navy of Charles the second.
I love stories of the sea, particularly those of ships dependent on sails and the heart countenance of man to get her where she needs to go. Add to that a tale of intrigue, suspense and some naval battles and I was more than content. The icing on the cake was the detail provided to the characters. All of which provided a flavour of life in the Royal Navy of Charles the second.
July 24, 2018
If you like the Patrick O'Brien series and want to read another with a dollop or two of humor throughout - then this novel is the one for you. It is written by a historian of Pepy's British Navy and it is a very interesting reading.
I look forward to reading this rest of the series - I think 9 in total to date - and will be hunting for the next in the series, "The Mountain of Gold".
I look forward to reading this rest of the series - I think 9 in total to date - and will be hunting for the next in the series, "The Mountain of Gold".
September 2, 2020
This historical fiction novel delves into political intrigue in the Restoration Period of England and Scotland. It’s narrated from the perspective of a “gentleman captain“, a nobleman who had been loyal to the king and was given command of a ship for that loyalty. Presumably unlike other gentleman captains, the lead character shows genuine interest in learning the art of sailing and command. That said, there is only one sea battle in the book.
August 10, 2021
I’ve read the entire Horatio Hornblower and Jack Aubrey/Maturin serious so this book looked intriguing. It didn’t disappoint. Focused more on the political aspects of the time than the pure sailing of those two series, I found it to be very insights into the times. Funny how the politics of rule by Cromwell or the Stuarts marches our own times. I recommend this book very much.
October 27, 2017
It was okay. Horatio Hornblower it was NOT and by a long shot. I was very disappointed in the way this story was written. Though it would be easy to believe in Captain Quinton and the flippant way the royal persons treated their rein; I was wholly disgusted with their tactics. What a waste.
April 18, 2019
Pretty good historical fiction ; this is the first of 12 books set in England after the fall of Cromwell and return of monarchy . The Royal Navy , sailing ships , and Europe in flux .
Matthew Quinton is a believable character full of human frailty although the tale itself stretches credulity .
Matthew Quinton is a believable character full of human frailty although the tale itself stretches credulity .
Read
November 6, 2019Loved this. A page-turner. Very good and endearing characters. I usually don't like this time period for historical novels, but the story and characters are so well written, that I found it hard to put down. I can't wait to read the other installments.
January 6, 2022
A rousing tale of 17th century derring do and adventures on the high seas. A fine cast of characters and plenty of historical detail. I will search out the second book in this series in the next month or so.
November 30, 2022
A good, well researched read..
A good, well researched read with wonderful details of the Restoration navy and its politics. A bit slow at the beginning, it finally builds up pace to a climactic end.
A good, well researched read with wonderful details of the Restoration navy and its politics. A bit slow at the beginning, it finally builds up pace to a climactic end.
July 10, 2024
A lightweight naval adventure set in the Restoration period. I enjoyed Hornblower as. Teenager but found Patrick O’Brian too dense. This was good fun with stock characters. A bit of a slow start but good ending.
December 13, 2017
Very readable, a period (just after the Reformation) that I am not very familiar with, will definitely look out for more books in the series.
October 11, 2018
Really enjoyed this historical read. Was fresh and interesting read.
June 5, 2019
The only historical naval story I’ve read previously was a Seth Hunter, this was easily as good.
All I want from a novel is for it to be entertaining and educational. This ticks the boxes.
All I want from a novel is for it to be entertaining and educational. This ticks the boxes.
June 14, 2019
An enjoyable maritime adventure story set in 1600s England and Scotland, with well-developed, likable characters. (Had no idea this was the first book in a series, v interested in what follows.)
Read
May 22, 2020Found that it didn't particularly hold my attention which is why it took me 3 weeks to read it!! The second in the series "Mountain of Gold" (currently reading) is much more interesting to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews