One would think that having the same first name as Britain’s most famous admiral would set our hero on a promising course as he joins his first ship – part of the most powerful navy the world had ever seen. However, a rather unfortunate family name, and the distinction of becoming seasick while at anchor in the relatively calm waters off Spithead, tell us from the start that the young midshipman has his work cut out. And so it turns out. Whether exerting a firm but sympathetic hand over unruly seamen, planning a daring night raid in enemy waters, or swachbuckling his way through regular episodes of hand-to-hand combat, Horatio, ably played by the up-and-coming Ioan Gruffudd, shows signs of greatness from the first few minutes of this epic series. The military struggles of the colonising powers during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, in particular the Napoleonic wars, occupy a unique place in what later became the British Empire. Despite the heady adventures destined to mould world affairs for decades and centuries to come, few people are well acquainted with Britain’s naval exploits during this period. And so that great storyteller, C.S. Forester, sets the record straight, in part at least. With such other famous works as The African Queen and The Gun to his credit, Forester skillfully weaves historical fact from the the period into the career of the outwardly unspectacular doctor’s son. And the result? A gripping series of derring-do stories, explaining just how Britannia came to rule the waves.Read full review
This series gas always enthralled me as it is a fair representation of life in the Royal Baby or the Nelson era and the wars with the French and Soanish. Good representation of lower deck life and the officerx duty. A very enjoyable series of sea life, as good as if not better than Jack Sparrow.!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have all ways it’s a good story and good actor. John
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Bought this as a xmas gift for a friend. He's a long time fan of this series, so it was a great gift idea for him. Excellent choice for true fans of war themed shows.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I love the Sharpe series but I think this Hornblower series is on a par or sometimes better, the goods arrived ahead of time and in very good condition, recommended. Like the Sharpe series on Sky the DVDs are better and not clipped to fit TV slots.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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