'In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world' - Guardian
Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized by the press gang to be a part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Royal William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast. Despite all the danger of tempest and battle he goes through, he comes to admire the skills and courage of the seamen - taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor.
Based on dramatic real events, it is classic storytelling at its very best, rich with action with exceptional characters and a page-turning narrative.
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What readers are saying about KYDD
'A cracking good read' - 5 stars
'A first-class job' - 5 stars
'A terrific book' - 5 stars
'Excellent and very accurate' - 5 stars
'I could not put it down' - 5 stars
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Thomas Paine Kydd is press-ganged in Guildford, and is wrenched from his safe profession of wig making to join the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Duke William. We have been treated to the horrors of the below-deck life of the common seaman before, but Stockwin renders these scenes as exuberantly as any of his predecessors. He is also particularly good at delineating the changing character of his hero, as Kydd comes to admire the skills of the seamen and (of course) becomes a true sailor himself. Although, at times, the book has the feel of the setting up of a new series, it's none the worse for that. Stockwin can command your attention with ease when his writing has such unyielding power as:
The boatswain's mate advanced, taking the cat-o-nine-tails from the bag. He took a position a full eight feet away to one side, and drew the long deadly lashes through his fingers, experimentally sweeping back to ensure that there was enough clear space to swing it. Kydd stared across the few yards of empty deck at the man's pale, helpless body. At the instant it flew downward the drumbeats stopped, so the sickening smack of the blow came loud and clear. Donelly did not cry out, but his gasp was high and choked. The nine tails not only left long bruised weals, but at every point where they landed, blood began to seep.--Barry Forshaw
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Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780340837818
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is seized by the press gang, to be a part of the crew of the 98-gun line-of-battle ship Royal William. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast. Despite all that he goes through in danger of tempest and battle he comes to admire the skills and courage of the seamen - taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor. KYDD launches a masterly new writing talent and a thrilling new series. Based on dramatic real events, it is classic storytelling at its very best, rich with action with exceptional characters and a page-turning narrative. KYDD announces a major new voice in naval adventure writing. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780340837818
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Seller Inventory # B9780340837818
Book Description Condition: New. . Seller Inventory # 52GZZZ010YTX_ns
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 448 pages. 7.76x5.00x1.18 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0340837810
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780340837818_new
Book Description Condition: New. 2004. New Ed. Paperback. KYDD announces a major new voice in naval adventure writing. Series: Thomas Kydd. Num Pages: 448 pages. BIC Classification: FV. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 199 x 130 x 30. Weight in Grams: 306. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9780340837818
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 3427375-n
Book Description Condition: New. Book is in NEW condition. 0.44. Seller Inventory # 0340837810-2-1
Book Description Condition: New. 2004. New Ed. Paperback. KYDD announces a major new voice in naval adventure writing. Series: Thomas Kydd. Num Pages: 448 pages. BIC Classification: FV. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 199 x 130 x 30. Weight in Grams: 306. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780340837818