Hodder & Stoughton

Thrilled at his first command, a little brig-sloop called “Teazer”, Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness – he is desperately needed to defend Malta against Barbary corsairs, ferocious privateers and the French who are frantically trying to rescue the remnants of their army in the Levant. But his jubilation does not last long – peace is suddenly declared and Kydd finds himself ashore on half pay.

A rare chance gives him the opportunity to once again go to sea. He sets sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales – and challenges that will test both his seamanship and humanity to the limit.


The book is published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton and in the US by McBooks Press



McBooks Press



Praise for COMMAND

  • `The author sets a new standard in the genre of Napoleonic War naval stories.' - Broadly Boats

  • 'Stockwin tells his story with crispness and clarity. His characters are simply but well-drawn, and events happen at a pace to keep readers involved. As always, his display of seamanship savvy is one of the best in the genre' - Navy News, United States

  • `Set fair to be another best-seller.' - Seafarer