Horatio Howard Brenton

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What were the origins of C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower series of novels? A good argument can be made that it all began here with Horatio Howard Brenton. In the early 1800's Sir Edward Belcher was a British Naval officer, surveyor and explorer of the first rank. In his 40 years of service he captained numerous ships and generated a well-deserved reputation as a skilled seaman. His final command was of the unsuccessful expedition to find the missing and ill-fated explorer, Sir John Franklin. In the process of attempting this rescue mission, however, Belcher lost four of his five ships to pack ice. While he was acquitted of negligence in a court martial, he never again served on active duty. Instead, Belcher, a cousin of Frederick Marryat, devoted the rest of his life to writing. Included was this book, Horatio Howard Brenton, originally published in 1856 as a three volume set. It can be plausibly argued that this novel was the real model for C.S. Forester's character: Horatio Hornblower. Forester's first wife, Kathleen, was a Belcher. Add to that the similarity of the story lines between Brenton and Hornblower, and the use of a common first name-and some reasonable questions might be asked. At a minimum, it is inconceivable that Forester did not at least know about Belcher's book. Was it the primary model for his work? You will need to read it and decide for yourself. "A Naval Novel of the most genuine and natural kind" - London Chronicle

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1856 edition. Excerpt: ..."You are now, sir," said Captain Lofty, on the perusal of that document, "the junior lieutenant of H.M.S. Diana May your future course be as creditable as your probationary has been." "You, my lieutenant!" exclaimed Captain Noble, with affected surprise. "Well, sir, I hope you will now put off the boy." ' "Not until you do, I hope!" exclaimed Captain Lofty. The ladies retired. Fitzjames pressed one side, Haskins the other, and each read the commission. "I knew it throughout," said Haskins. "I knew it must be, and my good fellow (sir, I mean, bowing), no one feels more pride in the verification of my great wisdom than your humble servant--but, I fear, never to be your own lieutenant." Poor fellow, his countenance fell and he coughed, as the doctor said, very unsatisfactorily. The next morning, I was awoke by Louisa kissing the new lieutenant. "Are you not ashamed, you puss? An officer of my age and importance! Get out of my room, I am going to dress!" She retreated to the door. "Sure, sir, you can't be angry? that bit of parchment does not cover your heart, sir.' It does not make you forget us. does it, sir?" " Oh, no! Louisa, but circumspection. Before witnesses I care not." " But father is here," and the old man rushed in and pressed my hand, covering it with tears. " Oh! sir, one favour--the last we shall ever ask." " Well, proceed." "Let us see the Diana, with all the men and officers assembled, before you sail. The gig's crew have told us such tales--such nonsense about decks cleaner than my tables /--fit for a prince to dine ofl'. No, no, Mr. Horatio--we must...