Midshipman Bolitho

Richard Bolitho #1-2 omnibus

by Alexander Kent

The year is 1772, and Richard Bolitho is a sixteen-year-old midshipman about to undergo a severe initiation into the game of seamanship. The book follows young Bolitho's adventures as he intercepts and destroys a band of vicious pirates and then is swept away on a dangerous mission through the treacherous stamping ground of smugglers, wreckers, and murderers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Nautical, Historical, Audiobook, War

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

A pseudonym used by Douglas Reeman.

Series:
* Richard Bolitho
* Adam Bolitho

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

“A lifeline of inter-dependence, a chain of command.”

A little backstory here. I read many of Alexander Kent’s Richard Bolithio series as a teenager and loved them. I was that kid who loved the old sailing ships, and the library, and when those two worlds collided in this series, I was in hog heaven.
Fast forward, I am now 43. I still love history and sailing ships, and when I came upon most of the series for very little money, I jumped at it. Would it hold up?
Having finished MIDSHIPMAN BOLITHIO, the 2 novellas that combined constitute the first chronological book in the series, I may have overrated it as a teenager. But I still enjoyed reading it and will continue with the series. This first book finds young Bolithio dealing with corsair pirates and English smugglers respectively.
First, the issues. This text has very little characterization. There are hints of it, and I think it will develop with the series, but this entry lacks depth. I was also annoyed at a 16-year-old being the one who steps up and meets the challenge in a world full of grown experienced men. Richard Bolithio (the series protagonist) is a 16/17-year-old midshipman in the Royal Navy in 1772/73 in this book and in both novellas, he steps into the breech and is the key to things turning out correctly. I can handle this once, but twice? Come on Mr. Kent!
The strengths for MIDSHIPMAN BOLITHIO include the vivid creation of the world of the sea, and the life of navy men in the late 1700s is well rendered. Even the technical language I did not fully understand helps complete the world. The book is also very fast paced, so even if it is not great literature, it is fun reading, with exciting plot lines. Nothing wrong with that!
Reading this book felt like visiting an old friend. My memories were stirred. That kid I was so long-ago loved Richard Bolithio. The adult I am enjoyed seeing an old friend, even if he had changed in the meantime. I will revisit him soon. I sincerely hope I continue to enjoy his company.

[Nente · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sloppy, clumsy, incompetent writing.
The characters have no depth, their actions are illogical, their feelings have to be explained in plain words because there is no skill to suggest anything, and even the word choice is frequently very unfortunate.
Nor is the plot anything special to make up for the prose quality. The hero gets pushed around - there are some failures - the mission only progresses because he takes it on himself to disobey orders and choose a better course of action - then finally the heroic hero heroically takes over the whole enterprise, which is instantly crowned with success.
Really, this thing about disobeying orders is in such demand with the adventure writers, one wonders that there was any discipline in the Navy at all. But then, obviously the adventure writers are lying embroidering.
I love naval fiction in general, but that's the only reason for my getting through this to the end.

[Christian Jenkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking to fill the Hornblower shaped hole in my reading life, this was suggested to me as a suitable alternative, and yes, it fits the criteria, and indeed the late 1700s is an interesting time as this book is leading up to the American revolution.
we follow Bolitho on a few adventures, Africa, Cornwall, and the Channel Islands where he (naturally) shines out as a prodigy who will swiftly rise through the ranks.
I enjoyed the stories, however I found the writing style choppy and unnatural, plots are developed and then have a quick resolution as if the author has run out of time. The relationships in the book are also weird, the forced bromance with Dancer, which is completely superfluous as Dancer seems to stand around not doing a lot different to the protagonist. Bolitho's relationship with the captain does a complete 180 which again feels forced; the obligatory hard captain who warms to the risk taking junior.
So yes, worth a read but I won't pursue the series.

[Ensiform · Rating 3 out of 5]

The escapades of a lowly midshipman of 16 years who distinguishes himself (or would if a lieutenant didn’t hog all his glory) aboard the Gorgon against some slaver corsairs. I’d never heard of this book or author before, but it turns out to be a series of some 20-odd novels. This one was very much an episodic novel, since it ends with TV-serial style hints of the villain’s return and indicates that Bolitho’s career has only just begun. As its own book, therefore, it’s a little unsatisfying. It’s also not as learned as O’Brian’s similar stuff, but there’s a lot of good adventure and the sea atmosphere doesn’t ring false by any means.

[Farseer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is more in the style of C. S. Forester's Hornblower than in the style of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin. Kent is not a fancy writer, but he writes in a straightforward and competent manner and he knows his 18th century British Navy stuff. The reader soon is immersed in the atmosphere of the ship, accompanying 16-year-old Richard Bolitho as he fulfills his midshipman duties. The stories are part description of life aboard and part adventure/war plot.

I have seen other reviewers of this book complaining that Bolitho lacks personality, and I can see where they are coming from. In the crowded conditions of the ship, with no privacy, strict military discipline and almost no spare time, it is difficult for people to express their personality. C. S. Forester dealt with that by giving Hornblower some exaggerated personality tics, which made him seem more distinctive. Kent does not do that, so Bolitho's personality is less remarkable. But that's OK with me. He is an eager midshipman, competent (unlike Hornblower, we meet Bolitho when he already is an experienced midshipman) but still not as confident as he'll probably be when he is more senior. Hopefully as the series goes on we'll get to know him better, particularly as he gains more authority to make decisions.

This is not high literature. You should understand my rating under this light: Kent's only ambition is to tell entertaining navy tales, and what he sets out to do he does well. I had a good time and want to keep reading this series, hence my good rating.

This book actually collects two different tales that have also been published separately, each of them novellas around 100 pages long.

In the first one, Bolitho serves in the HMS Gorgon, a powerful ship of the line that has been sent to the African coast to deal with pirates. Bolitho has to put up with a lieutenant who dislikes him because of his family and who is not shy about taking the credit for his ideas and actions. In the second he is at home, on leave, accompanied by a friend he has invited (a fellow midshipman). His elder brother, a lieutenant, arrives then, commanding the small and underhanded cutter HM Avenger. He has received permission to recruit both midshipmen, so instead of enjoying their leave the boys have to take part in a risky mission to stop smugglers and shipwreckers in the area. Apart from the adventure, the half-fond half-strained relationship between the two brothers is one of the points of interest.

One of the problems when we follow a navy hero who is not senior enough to command his own ship is that it's not easy for him to make a difference when all he can do is follow orders. This means that the author needs to find an way each time to give him the opportunity to shine. Another thing that you'll notice is that Britain is not at war, so the opponents are pirates and smugglers. No doubt that will change further on in the series.

Recommended to anyone who enjoys stories about military sailing ships, in the style of C. S. Forester.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bolitho novels are all good reads, nothing too taxing, but the author has the knack of adding details from the British navy of the Napoleonic age without too much pain. All the crowding of ships, men press ganged into service unwillingly to be molded or beaten into a deadly crew, the rotten food, dangerous weather conditions, the dangers or war, all are included. Occasionally, there's some romance, but this always takes backseat to the struggle to defeat Napoleon.
the first 24 books concern the life and times of Richard Bolitho, who seems to be the perfect officer. Born into a seafaring family, he is brave, intelligent, kind hearted, considerate, but a killer all the same. He attracts to himself, the best and worst in English officers, and seems to have a talent for getting himself involved in feuds. His friends are loyal to him, and he to them, no matter what. The later books take a dive in story quality, often seeming a bit mawkish in dialogue, particularly between Bolitho and his mistress, Lady Catherine Sommerville, and the details are too similar to the real life Nelson and Lady Hamilton. The sex scenes are almost decorously disguised, and Bolitho is always going off to sea.
The more recent books concern Bolitho's nephew, Adam, who is nearly identical to his uncle in personality, which makes reading them a case of "been here, done that before." Still, if you like reading about this time period, that of Napolean and just after, are interested in Nelson, the British Navy, and the conditions faced by sailors, you just might find these books a good, rousing read.

[J E · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been an interesting historical novel, but the characters are flat and unengaging. Bolitho is brave, honest, humble, hardworking, skillful, smart, and so on. No flaws. Never makes a mistake. I prefer to read about characters with at least a few flaws so they have to struggle and maybe learn something.

[Elliot · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume contains the first two installments in the Bolitho series: Midshipman Bolitho and Bolitho and the Avenger. I found both of these very brief stories rather disappointing. Of late I’ve been trying several different series in the Age of Sails historical fiction genre. Bolitho compares rather unfavorably with all of the others I’ve tried (Hornblower, Aubrey/Maturin, and Ramage).

The writing is plain, and the characters are flat and uninteresting for the most part. I understand that as a midshipman, Bolitho doesn’t have the freedom or authority which a higher-ranking officer might have. Even so, I never really obtained a sense of his character. I felt no strong desire to root for Bolitho, unfortunately. The other characters hardly made a stronger impression upon me either.

The two stories are quick but lacking depth. I read each in a single sitting. The action is decent and the author appears to knowledgeable about sailing. However, neither of the two stories have the historical authenticity that makes this genre so interesting. I’m sure I will return to the Bolitho books eventually, for two reasons in particular. One, I have faith the other books in the series will be much better. Two, I’m very intrigued that these first two books, chronologically, in the series are set in 1772 which means that Bolitho’s adventures will continue through the American Revolution and the early years of the Napoleonic Wars, while the other series start later in time for the most part. With that being said, it will be a while before I return to this series because there are so many better books to read instead.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boys own ripping yarn set (mostly) at sea, with all the unexplained old maritime terminology you could ever want. Plus pirates, slavers, wreckers and smugglers galore. It's no classic, but you won't have any trouble finishing it.

Horatio Hornblower lite.

[theduckthief · Rating 3 out of 5]

"On this particular day in mid-October 1772, Richard Bolitho sat wedged in a corner of one of the long rooms half listening to the babble of voices around him, the clatter of plates and tankards and the hiss of rain against the small windows. The air was heavy with mixed aromas. Food and ale, tobacco and tar, and each time the doors opened to a chorus of curses and complaints the keener tang of salt from the waiting ships."

The year is 1772 and Richard Bolitho is a young midshipman newly assigned to the Gorgon, a seventy-four gunner under orders to sail to Africa's west coast to patrol the area. Britian is at peace but her trade routes are under current threat by pirates. What they encounter involves abandoned ships, an occupied fortress and a chase. While navigating his way through the politics of life aboard ship, Bolitho must avoid the ire of Lieutenant Tregorren who has taken an instant dislike to the young man.

This book is a quick read and Kent is able to combine the historical facts of the time with nautical knowledge and good old-fashioned story-telling. This isn't always the case with historical naval fiction. Some authors get bogged down in the details. See my "Master and Commander" review for more information.

Not only is the book entertaining, the writing is also wonderful. "The smells too seemed to rise to meet them. Salt beef and tar, bilge and packed humanity, while all around them the massive hull creaked and groaned like a living thing, the deckhand lanterns spiralling and throwing shapes across the great timbers and seaman alike, as in a vast painting."

My only complaint is the shortness of the book. At only 159 pages it serves as little better than an introduction to a book rather than a full story. But if you like historical naval fiction then I would defitely recommend this series.

[Roger Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though naval adventure series such as this was ever something I sought after, I have always enjoyed historical fiction. So when someone happened to leave behind this first book of the series in an airplane seat many years ago, I thought "what the heck, I' m between books and need something", so gave it a try. 30 books in this series later.......I finished them all. :-)
One of the things I found the most interesting was the way the author gave very accurate descriptions of how sailing life really was for the ships of this time and the blood and guts that sea battles entailed. Loved how the reader is allowed to follow the main character as he grows up and becomes a Captain himself.

If you liked the movie "Master and Commander" ( one of the more accurate movies made of sailing ships of this period) you will love this series.

Ahhh, now the fun to find and click on the other 29 books in this series as having been read. Oh well.

[Brian Whitehead · Rating 1 out of 5]

A poor man's Patrick O'Brian. Very poor. It might be suitable for younger readers but as an adult I wanted to throw it in a fire. Honestly the only reason I got as far as I did was because I was in a situation where this was the only book I had and had nothing else to do.

[Michael Koch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains two modest length, fairly good stories of a Napoleon era Midshipman in the British navy. Bolitho is another sailor to rise through the ranks in the likes of Hornblower. His creator, Alexander Kent is in the line of Pope, Forester, and others. Unlike Hornblower, Bolitho is blessed with comfortable wealth. However he is saddled with family opposition to the current government. These two stories are fast and exciting. They provide good reading for anybody with an interest in this type of book.

This is the second of the books in this series I believe. Bolitho has learned a lot of the technical issues related to operating a naval vessel but there is much he needs to learn about command. He needs to believe in himself, command with authority and lead with assurance, regardless of the ship, men, orders, or situations he finds himself in. In both of these stories, he does learn some of these things. More importantly, he realizes he needs to continue to learn and he sometimes needs to learn from others.

In the first story, Bolitho is in a ship out to destroy slaving ships and logistics. Bolitho and two other Midshipmen are left in charge of a tiny barquentine battling a frigate when the two lieutenants are put out of commission. He learns to trust the knowledge and skill of his warrant officers but makes the decisions as to where, when and how to use that skill. Using the skill of the Master’s Mate and his best gun captain the barquentine unlocked the key to the battle.

In the second story, he is assigned to serve under his braggart brother, a customs officer. They succeeded in capturing armaments and money that was being smuggled out of England for use in the rebellious America. Bolitho met and exceeded his mandates, however his brother won no glory with this venture. The Earl, a neighbouring magistrate, had secretly sold his estate and was moving to the New World to extend his holdings. He had been smuggling weapons and wealth out of the country.

I rate the stories as three stars each. The stories are short (~150 pages each). I prefer stories with more depth, that give more reading pleasure before the reader gets to the end.
The book in total works well. Exciting and readable. Three and a half stars.

[Jim Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is chronologically the first of the Richard Bolitho series, though it's not the first to be written, set in 1772, it tells two stories of Bolitho as a midshipman. It's actually made up of two novellas:

Richard Bolitho -- Midshipman. Bolitho is assigned to the Gorgon, a 72-gun ship off the line, that is sent to deal with pirates off the coast of Africa. Richard meets Martin Dancer, another midshipmen. They become friends and are assigned on a mission to help cut out a British ship captured by the pirates.

Richard Bolitho and the Avenger. While the Gorgon is in port for refitting, Bolitho returns to Cornwall for Christmas, taking Dancer with him. But after a revenue agent is found murdered, the two are assigned to the crew of the cutter Avenger, captained by Bolitho's older brother Hugh. They've been assigned to deal with the smugglers and wreckers, but soon uncover a plot that goes deeper than they originally suspected.

Both stories move quickly, but also provide a good feel for what life was like as a midshipman. Kent writes exciting historical fiction. It's not on the level of Patrick O'Brian, but still well worth reading. This was a re-read for me. I'd read and enjoyed the first handful of books in the series a few years ago, but I wanted to reread a couple before continuing with more of the series.

[Joe Santoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite a swing from book #26 in the series.. over 40 years earlier, and with Richard Bolitho a 16 year old Midshipman.

I liked how instead of starting at the very start, we start with the main character as an experience Midshipman getting on a new assignment on a ship of the line. The Gorgon is off to Africa to patrol, and find a pirate fortress being used by slavers and a lost English ship that needs saving.

The 2nd story takes place a year later and finds Richard and a fellow midshipman drafted abord his older brothers cutter to investigate local smuggling that turns out to be more than the bargained for. It was much more interesting than the first one, which was a pretty paint by the numbers first naval story, complete with all the usual characters therein. The 2nd book had some cool stuff about wreckers (people that would try to trick ships into crashing and then collect the salvage) and a pretty clever and surprising plot twist.

I decided to go with chronological order instead of publishing order for these... hopefully that will be a good choice.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough book to rate. I love the genre more than this book. I grew up sailing and love all the sailing terms and really get into the historical fiction . (Kinda of a dork that way).

The series shows promise. This is between Hornblower than Aubrey. My view of the two.
- Hornblower more of an adventure series. Good writing but easy, fun stories. A little loose on history.
- Aubrey still adventure but more technical sailing and a little denser. Very focused on historical accuracy.

This is a little denser/more technical than Hornblower but I think a little looser on the historical context (although it is still there).

The plot of the first half of the book I loved. The second half ( this is actually a compendium of two books ) is not the best.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is the latter half of the 18th century when Richard Bolitho joins a British Royal Navy ship as a midshipman. We hear what sounds like an authentic description of life on a navy ship, a 74 gun ship of the line. The 74 (named for its number of guns) was a mainstay of the Royal Navy. Not the largest of ships but big enough to be a ship of the line. The story here explains how it was not as fast or maneuverable as smaller frigates though.

I have not read a lot of naval stories, and often find them a little slow. This book was a little as expected on that score, but the action, when it came, was well described and engaging and the book developed into a fine mystery at the end that included betrayal and a desperate sea chase. It ended leaving me ready for more.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have a weakness for the age of sail, and these combined novellas indulged it, with some appreciated period and maritime detail. neither the writing nor the characters offers challenge or nuance. good triumphs over adversity - even though that 'good' is enforcing the british empire. its enemies here are slavers, pirates, smugglers, wreckers and gun-running 'colonialists' (americans). settings: the west african coast and cornwall. no women appear, other than midshipman bolitho's mother, though she is courted by an untrustworthy local landowner while her husband is at sea. only recommended to those who want some fairly unthinking yarns to the creak of timbers battered by atlantic breakers and cannonfire.

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be a very entertaining introduction to his majesties navy in the late 18th century. A time when Britain truly ruled the waves. The writing style was engaging and easy to immerse myself into, a perhaps suitable comparison might be the Sharpe Novels, only other than Sharp Mr Midshipman Richard Bolitho, comes out of a naval familiy, with some wealth and prestige attached to his name. He also encounters in those first two novels primarily capable superior officers, that make his part of the adventures very believable.

I will certainly seek out more of Alexander Kent's writing.

[J. M. Simmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Douglas Reeman aka Alexander Kent is a masterful storyteller. Only CS Forrester's Horatio Hornblower is his equal for the era that the Bolitho series is set in.

Richard Bolithos is a character that stood out as an everyman. But he is clever, tactically sound and is not afraid to be afraid. I love the story of Midshipman Bolitho and Bolitho and the Avenger which can together on audiobook. Michael Jaiston did a great job reading it, bring the novel to life.

I will be reading more of this series in the future.

[Pat Morris-jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really think I would enjoy this book but it is free on audiobook from library so I will often give books a try for that very reason. Well I did enjoy it. It prob isn’t rocket science nor a classic but it’s pleasant, easy to listen too and engaging. Within book ratings as a whole it’s prob only 3 to 3 and a half but as I listened to it happily, unexpectedly so, I’ve given it 4 stars instead.

[C.A. A. Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read most of the Patrick O'Brian novels. Therefore, I decided to give Alexander Kent's Richard Bolitho novels ago. I must say, the Bolitho stories are also very gripping to read. This was set in the 1770s decade. Bolitho is a young teenager. A Midshipman learning the ropes among resentful superiors. Especially the 4th Leftenant in the first part of the novel. Really captures and transports the reader back through time. Very enjoyable read indeed.

[Pavel Kaplin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was listening to audiobook from audible. The language used in book is pretty sophisticated, and at times I could not capture some details.

However, the plot, the characters and the dynamics of the story are fantastic. So much for courage, honor, the right and the wrong. Also, it constitutes a great description and dive-deep into 18th century England. Fascinating!

Highly recommended for those who enjoy sea adventures, especially for native english speakers.

[David Holton · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Bolitho novels are a great read, I have waded through almost the entire series of 30 books covering 40 years of history from the French Revolution, US War of Independence, Napoleonic, the second US War with the Brits, anti slavery patrols and putting down the pirates. Thoroughly recommended if u like an easy but convincing read of naval history.

[Justin Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

More contemporary (less unreadably 1950s) than the original high seas series but this first trilogy of the series degraded rapidly in coherency. I thought the author was having a stroke but the third book ended. Thoughts were inconsistent and while a great story line it was ruined by very fragmented writing and apparently no editing/advice.

[Francis Pellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

i picked this up in a hope it would be a replacement for the Aubrey & Maturin or Hornblower series that i have finished quite recently. Unfortunately it doesn't have the depth of those but is an enjoyable yarn. Probably won't continue with this series though and look elsewhere for my nautical adventures.

[Geoff Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three stories in one book with the same main character. I have a separate book (which is a bit thin) for the first story. This omnibus edition sets the scene for all the following books, which I have decided to read again. After re-reading Midshipman Bolitho I am looking forward to completing the full series before the annual date of the lockdown in March 2021 :- o)

[William Howle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a fast read. I have read several books about the British navy during this era. Have found them all enjoyable, must say the ones by Patrick O'Brian are my favorites. I may read some more about the Bolithos as I move forward.

[Edward Laufer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast naval action stories set in the time of the American Revolution and the War between England and France. The characterizations are excellent, and amazingly deep, for such a quick moving read. I felt as though I was actually right alongside of Richard Bolitho during all of the adventures.

[Steve Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Bolitho novellas, Richard Bolitho--Midshipman and Mishipman Bolitho and the Avenger. Evidently ther is still another story when Bolitho joins the royal Navy at age 12. These are two rousing stories of Bolitho ona ship of the line and at home entangled with smugglers and wreckers.