The Battle And The Breeze

by R.M. Ballantyne

The Battle and the Breeze is a historical novel written by R.M. Ballantyne. The book tells the story of a young man named Jack, who joins the British Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Jack is eager to prove himself as a sailor and a warrior, but he soon learns that life at sea is not as glamorous as he imagined.The novel is set against the backdrop of the Battle of Trafalgar, one of the most famous naval battles in history. Jack and his fellow sailors are tasked with fighting against the French and Spanish fleets, and the book vividly describes the chaos and danger of naval combat.In addition to the battle scenes, The Battle and the Breeze also explores the daily life of sailors on board a ship. Ballantyne provides detailed descriptions of the ship's layout, the duties of the crew, and the challenges of life at sea. The book also touches on themes such as loyalty, bravery, and the importance of teamwork.Overall, The Battle and the Breeze is a thrilling adventure story that offers a glimpse into the world of naval warfare during the early 19th century. It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in naval history.Nelson had for a long time past been displaying, in a series of complicated and difficult operations in the Mediterranean, those splendid qualities which had already won for him unusual honours and fame, and which were about to raise him to that proud pinnacle which he ultimately attained as England's greatest naval hero. His address and success in matters of diplomacy had filled his superiors and the Government with sentiments of respect; his moral courage in risking reputation and position, with unflinching resolution, by disobeying orders when by so doing the good and credit of his country could be advanced, made him an object of dread to some, of admiration to others, while his lion-like animal courage and amiability endeared him to his officers and men.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1869

About the author

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer of juvenile fiction.

Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. At the age of 16 he went to Canada and where he served for six years with the Hudson's Bay Company. He returned to Scotland in 1847, and published his first book the following year, Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America. For some time he was employed by Messrs Constable, the publishers, but in 1856 he gave up business for literature, and began the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This is a shorter Ballantyne book—only six chapters—but worth reading. The brief biography on Nelson, and the talk about the English propensity for bragging about their nation, are very good. It’s humorous and simply a quick, enjoyable read.

A Favourite Quote: “[Nelson’s] address and success in matters of diplomacy had filled his superiors and the Government with sentiments of respect; his moral courage in risking reputation and position, with unflinching resolution, by disobeying orders when by so doing the good and credit of his country could be advanced, made him an object of dread to some, of admiration to others, while his lion-like animal courage and amiability endeared him to his officers and men.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “The turnkey ... stepped back, and, looking at Bill, pointed to the cell with his finger, as much as to say, ‘Go in.’
“Bill looked at him ... for a moment, ... bent his head, and ... entered the cell.
“‘Are we to stop long here, Mister Turnkey?’ asked Ben, as he was about to follow. The man vouchsafed no reply, but again pointed to the cell.
“‘I’ve always heered ye wos a purlite nation,’ said Ben, as he followed his messmate; ‘but there’s room for improvement.’”