Mutiny on the Spanish Main tells the dramatic story of HMS Hermione, a British frigate whose crew mutinied in 1797, in what was regarded as the most bloody mutiny in British naval history. The Hermione was subsequently recaptured in a daring raid on a Caribbean port two years later. The book draws on letters, reports, ship's logs and memoirs of the period to weave a highly readable narrative, which intertwines this extensive research into a fast-paced account of the mutiny and its consequences.
The book opens a window into the world of Nelson's sailing navy, seen through the lens of the dramatic events which unfolded on the deck of the Hermione to produce a rollicking and highly-readable tale. It offers a balanced view of the mutiny, seen from both the side of the authorities and the mutineers. It will also draw on hitherto unpublished Spanish sources to tell their side of the story.
It will use box inserts to present many of the technical and tactical nuances of seamanship and naval warfare of this period in a way which doesn't interrupt the narrative thread, whilemaps and diagrams integrated into the body text will help readers follow the action as the events unfold.
Mutiny on the Spanish Main adopts a fast-paced and highly readable structure. The book will have a cinematic feel to it, with the dramatic narrative underpinned by a clear description of the ebb and flow of these dramatic events.
