Commander

The Life and Exploits of Britain's Greatest Frigate Captain

By: Stephen Taylor

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

An incomparable seaman, ferociously combative yet chivalrous, Edward Pellew might have served as the model for Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey.

Edward Pellew, captain of the legendary Indefatigable, was quite simply the greatest British frigate captain in the age of sail. Left fatherless at age eight, with a penniless mother and five siblings, Pellew fought his way from the very bottom of the navy to fleet command. Victories and eye-catching feats won him a public following. Yet he had a gift for antagonizing his better-born peers, and he made powerful enemies. Redemption came with his last command, when he set off to do battle with the Barbary States and free thousands of European slaves. Opinion held this to be an impossible mission, and Pellew himself, leading from the front in the style of his contemporary Nelson, did not expect to survive. Pellew’s humanity, fondness for subordinates, and blind love for his family, and the warmth and intimacy of his letters, make him a hugely engaging figure. Stephen Taylor gives him at last the biography he deserves.

©2012 Stephen Taylor (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

OK

There’s a technique of depicting historical figures based on their correspondence that seems to often miss the mark as far as giving an interesting narrative. This is one of those. Pellew was colorful and interesting enough to serve as a model for at least two famous fictional age of sail heroes - Jack Aubrey and Hornblower - but you could miss that fact in this sometimes boring description of his life and career. The story comes to life briefly in the second last chapter and offers some excitement. It’s not a bad book just not really as good as it’s subject deserves.

Well done

If you enjoy the history of the Royal Navy, you'll enjoy this book on Edward Pellew. What an amazing life and more amazing that he was comparable to Nelson at the same time in history though without all the fanfare. For readers, I think the most exciting part was his leadership at the Battle of Algiers - well written that I could picture the actions in my minds eye.

Interesting, and well performed reading.

I loved every chapter and enjoyed learning about the real Hornblower and Jack Aubrey. The reader did an excellent job, and was never a boring monotone. I highly recommend this book.

Wonderfully rich

Stephen Taylor brought to vivid life a time period with many oversized characters, set within one of the world’s most turbulent times. With biographies it seems you roll the dice on whether it’s monotone and bland, or rich and vibrant. No doubt about this being the latter.

Pellew was Awesome

It was so nice to hear and learn about another great sea Captain besides Nelson. Exmouth was so confident, daring and aggressive in his combat style which seemed typical of that age when the UK was a great and powerful nation and empire long ago. I loved this book. The narration by Derek was very good.

Outstanding

Vivid, entertaining, and informative, this biography provides a unique window into an extinct world. Considering the historical events described, there is little doubt that Pellew was a major inspiration for the character Jack Aubrey in the Master and Commander series. I found the opportunity to hear the real-life version of these amazing stories to be fascinating, and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about history, the age of sail, or true and inspiring tales of heroes. The world might be a better place if we had more people like Edward Pellew.

Magnificent

A perfect biography. A very interesting man and even better story. The author brings the Age of Sail to life. The narrator is perfectly English. I learned a lot and enjoyed it even more.

Better than Patrick O’Brian . . .

Because it’s real! The real Aubrey; and the narration is superb! I was engaged throughout. Well worth the price and time if you appreciate naval history.

The Facts are just as interesting as fiction

Would you listen to Commander again? Why?

After awhile yes, it had alot of real information Facts that are interesting

What was one of the most memorable moments of Commander?

The battle for Algiers a real slug fest

Have you listened to any of Derek Perkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

My first one and he did a great job

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some of the incidents were very moving

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed hearing what the real RN captains did and how they had to overcome the war at sea and at home