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On Stormy Seas
The true story of the triumphs and torments of Captain George Vancouver. This a "tale of triumphant , daunting odds, and of daring dreams over insidious decline".
298 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 16, 2026
This book was on my doorstep one day when I came home and it was a marvellous discovery. I enjoy historical fiction and the treatment of George Vancouver "On Stormy Seas" was a treat. Gillespie uses Vancouver's brother as both a character and a narrator and so there are parallel stories evolving.
I learned a lot about trying to manage a group of midshipmen whose behaviour was often challenging and much about mapping.
I appreciated that while Vancouver's accomplishments are celebrated, Gillespie does not make him a particularly sympathetic character but allowed his flaws to show through.
I did not end up "liking" Vancouver, but I did appreciate the treatment of him by Gillespie.
I learned a lot about trying to manage a group of midshipmen whose behaviour was often challenging and much about mapping.
I appreciated that while Vancouver's accomplishments are celebrated, Gillespie does not make him a particularly sympathetic character but allowed his flaws to show through.
I did not end up "liking" Vancouver, but I did appreciate the treatment of him by Gillespie.
Displaying 1 of 1 review