How Dark the Night: A Novel - Hardcover

Hammond, William C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1612514677 ISBN 13: 9781612514673

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 2014

Synopsis

William Hammond's award winning series carries on the tradition of Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. It is the only nautical fiction series that offers the American perspective during the Age of Fighting Sail. How Dark the Night continues the seafaring adventures of the Cutler family by picking up the action where the fourth volume, A Call to Arms, ends in 1805. The years leading up to the War of 1812 were devastating ones for the young republic. The life-and-death struggle between Great Britain and France caught the United States in a web of financial and political chaos as President Jefferson and Secretary of State Madison labored to keep the unprepared United States out of the conflict without compromising the nation's honor. On the home front, Jefferson's embargo threatened the livelihood of the Cutlers and other New England shipping families as merchant ships rotted on their moorings and sailors sat on the beach, penniless. Far worse for the Cutler family is a grave illness that threatens the life of its most beloved member.

Like previous books in the series, the action in How Dark the Night is brought to life by such colorful historical figures as the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, Secretary of the Navy Robert Smith, Robert Fulton and his prototype for a submarine, Captain Stephen Decatur, Captain Salusbury Pryce Humphreys RN, and Commodore James Barron. Historical events include the decline of slavery in the West Indies, the stark political differences between the Federalists in New England and the "War Hawk" Republicans in the South and West led by Henry Clay and John Calhoun, as well as the abuses at sea perpetrated by the Royal Navy against America. Such abominations reach a war footing after the so-called "affair" between the USS Chesapeake and HMS Leopard--as related from the British point of view through the eyes of Seth Cutler, a midshipman serving in Leopard.

About this title

About the Author:

William C. Hammond is a novelist and freelance editor. A lifelong student of history and sailing enthusiast, his first novel in the Cutler chronicles,A Matter of Honor, was published in 2007, followed by For Love of Country, in 2010, The Power and the Glory in 2011, and A Call to Arms in 2012. He lives in Wayzata, MN.

Review:

"William Hammond is an impressive author able to breath life into his characters and envelop his reader's total attention from first page to last. An outstanding continuation of a highly recommended series, How Dark the Night is highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library historical fiction collections. These are the kind of books from which block-buster movies and award-winning television mini-series are made!"--The Midwest Book Review

"In this fourth installment of the Cutler family saga, William Hammond sticks with his engaging and award-winning formula of embedding his early 19th-century characters in the culture, people and politics of the time."--Sailing

"William Hammond spins a captivating tale set against the endeavors of a young nation and a family seeking to find its way in a politically and personally complicated world. How Dark the Night--and the entire Cutler chronicle--shine a glorious light on America's rich maritime history."--Quarterdeck

"High drama on the high seas combined with political intrigue, ships of two navies, pirates, and privateers draws the reader into this compelling tale, well crafted by William Hammond. The growing Cutler family's story brings history to life even as they appear on opposite sides of an international conflict. Another well-told, fast-paced story from the pen of Mr. Hammond that is sure to further endear his readers to the well-portrayed and three-dimensional cast of characters."--William H. White, author of the Edward Ballantyne series, the Oliver Baldwin series, and the War of 1812 Trilogy

"How Dark the Night, the fifth volume in the Cutler Chronicles, was a joy to read! Strong enough to stand on its own sea legs, Hammond has written a finely crafted tale of familial and maritime adventure. Hammond's masterful scene-setting places you on the wharves, on board ships, and in family settings so vividly that you feel as if you're eavesdropping on life during the Age of Sail. Best of all, How Dark the Night is a novel whose impact subtly builds to a riveting and wrenchingly emotional climax."--Dwight Jon Zimmerman, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Lincoln's Last Days and president of the Military Writers Society of America

About this edition

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1612514677
• ISBN 13: 9781612514673
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 216