AUTHOR BIO

Julian Stockwin was born in the English town of Basingstoke in 1944. He worked and lived  in many parts of the world, including Australia and the Far East ‑ and now home is Corinthia, an eighteenth‑century house (which he shares with his wife Kathy and two Siamese cats) in a quiet part of Devon.

He wanted to go to sea ever since he can remember. His mother says that as a toddler he went up to sailors on the street, and on one occasion dragged home a dead sea bird because it smelled so much of the sea.

His uncle Tom Clay, a seaman in square-rigged ships who sailed around Cape Horn in the Cutty Sark, took Julian over this ship and also around the National Maritime Museum; this was a great influence on him - no one else in his family had any connection with the sea; his father served in the army during the war.

As a young boy Julian read everything about the sea, and was especially terrified by a description of a great storm, but longed to go to sea to experience a real one.

He attended the prestigious Harvey Grammar School, but his mind was captivated by seeing low grey shapes slip away over the horizon, outward bound to who knew where. He passed this sight every day on his way to school. Scholastic performance suffered!

In the hope of having the nonsense knocked out of him his father sent him at the tender age of fourteen to the Indefatigable, a tough sea-training school. This only strengthened his resolve for a life at sea, and he joined the Royal Navy at 15.

His family emigrated to Australia shortly afterwards, and he transferred to the Royal Australian Navy.

Julian served eight years and was eventually rated petty officer. He saw service around the world, including the Far East and South Sea islands. In Vietnam he served in a carrier task force and was on board Melbourne at the time of her disastrous peace time collision with Voyager.

Leaving the Navy was a wrench for Julian but he  wanted to take up the formal education he had missed by going to sea at such a young age. He enrolled at the University of Tasmania and graduated in Far Eastern studies and psychology. After teaching for two years he practised as an educational psychologist.

Then he met his future wife, Kathy, and they decided to seek adventure in Hong Kong. Julian initially did post-graduate  work in cross-cultural psychology and in the process was seduced by computers. Disillusioned with academic life he became involved in the manufacture and design of computers and later software development. Meanwhile, Kathy's career was developing as a journalist and they enjoyed the social life of a foreign correspondent. At this stage Julian renewed direct involvement with the Navy, being commissioned into the Royal Navy Reserve. He was later honoured to be appointed an MBE and retired as Lt Commander.

In 1990 Julian returned to the UK to be involved with a major project concerned with the strategic deployment of merchant shipping. This was an extremely high pressure environment, and in 1996 Kathy and Julian took stock ‑ her suggestion: that he write. And about the sea.

She saw his potential as a writer (where Julian admits he did not) and persuaded him to give it a go. He took a half‑time job lecturing in order to devote time to absorbing the craft of writing.

Julian says: “I'm ‘Old Navy’ with a deep respect and admiration for the service, so it had to be the Navy I'd write about. I chose Nelson's time, the great climax of the age of sail and a magnificent canvas for sea tales. This was an era when the sea was respected and wooed by men who did not yet have steam engines and brute force. I also wanted to bring the sea itself into a more prominent role.

I soon realised there were things from my time in the Navy that I wanted to bring to my writing; small things but evocative to this day ‑ a shimmering moonpath glittering on the water, the sound of voices from invisible night watchkeepers, the rich stink of land after months at sea, the comfort of a still hammock when the ship rolls about. There were darker moments, too. Savage storms at sea when you feel the presence of nature like a wild beast out of the cage.”

Kathy's skills as an editor were seminal in the process of Julian developing as a writer and finding a voice, and they now work full time as a close creative team.

BOOKS PUBLISHED

Julian Stockwin is the author of Thomas Kydd historical naval adventure fiction, a projected 15 or more volumes. The series is the story of one man's journey from pressed man to Admiral.

(Book 1) KYDD 
Thomas Kydd, a young wigmaker from Guildford in Surrey, is press ganged into King George's Navy. Despite the harsh realities of shipboard life he comes to love the sea, and takes up the challenge to become a true sailor.

I was soon turning over the pages almost indecently fast. Roll on, the promised adventures of Kydd and Renzi.  Independent

Rich in action and full of interesting characters, this thrilling novel leaves you in awe of the 18th century seaman. Peterborough Evening Telegraph

A rousing debut - a brilliantly imagined account of a man overcoming fear. The Boston Globe

And from readers :

"A bloody good yarn. Can't wait for the next one, so please write faster."

"KYDD is tremendous. Anything that can distract me from the cries of my 12 month old is nothing short of miraculous!"

"I'm a great fan of sea stories and your series promises to be among the best."

Published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback (ISBN 0340 79473 9) and paperback
Published in the US by Scribner in hardback (ISBN 0 7432 1458 7), paperback and e book
plus foreign editions, abridged audiobook, unabridged audiobook, Braille and book club

(Book 2) ARTEMIS
Kydd is now a true Jack Tar aboard the crack frigate HMS Artemis ranging the seas for prey and prize money. It is a world away from his brutal introduction to the sea as a pressed man.

Ex Navy officer Julian Stockwin's second novel is a rip roaring yarn that confirms [his publisher's faith] in his ability to turn his vivid knowledge of 18th century seafaring into first rate global adventure. Publishing News

Likeable Tom and his shipmates make a snug fit in that page turning Forester and O'Brian tradition.  Kirkus Review

The triumphant sequel to the excellent KYDD, ARTEMIS is a page turner full of adventure. Historical Novels Review

And from readers :

"I have yet to read a fictional account of the rounding of the Horn that was as descriptive, passionate, frightening, and inspiring as Stockwin's account in ARTEMIS."

"One of the best stories afloat. Can't wait for the next instalment".

"ARTEMIS is a strong second volume in what promises to be an enthralling series".

Published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback (ISBN  0340 794 755) and paperback
Published in the US by Scribner in hardback (ISBN 07432 1460 9)and paperback and e book
plus foreign editions, abridged audiobook, unabridged audiobook, Braille and book club

(Book 3) SEAFLOWER
In a political act to save an officer's reputation, Kydd and other members of the crew of the ill fated Artemis are shipped out in haste to the Caribbean - where sugar is king and yellow jack a fearsome peril.

Stockwin writes with a level of intensity and clarity of emotion both dark and exhilarating. He achieves for the reader the reality of Kydd's world - from the seeming delights of the South Pacific to the horrifics of sea battle. He writes of real ships and real battles and does it with a sense of historical and cultural significance. Good Old Boat

SEAFLOWER is a busy story, crammed with events that are never predictable. Like all good sea stories it takes you to strange and wonderful places. Fans of naval fiction, or just those that appreciate a good yarn will not want to miss it. West Australian

Stockwin's richly detailed portrait of life on ship and shore is engrossing. He writes evocatively of shipboard routine, the panic and confusion of combat and the terrifying approach of a storm at sea, and he knows how to stage enthralling action scenes. Publisher's Weekly

And from readers :

"SEAFLOWER is a fast moving, riveting yarn from beginning to end".

"This instalment is even better than its predecessors. The action is non stop and it has the hard life of being a sailor in the eighteenth century together with romantic episodes, sea battles, prizes, all rolled up into a thoroughly enjoyable adventure".

"The book just reaches out and grabs the reader and doesn't let go".

Published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback (ISBN 0340 794 771) and paperback
Published in the US by Scribner in hardback (ISBN 07432 1462), paperback and e book
plus foreign editions, abridged audiobook, unabridged audiobook, Braille and book club

(Book 4) MUTINY
After a daring rescue mission to Venice, Kydd finally sets sail for England, longed for after many years' absence, and finds himself at the centre of one of the most extraordinary events in English history - the Mutiny at the Nore.

This is the fourth book in the Thomas Kydd series by Julian Stockwin and his passion for his character and his adventures with the British Navy at the end of the eighteenth century has not diminished. Stockwin has liberally plastered his novel with nautical terms and authentic dialogue that leaves the reader almost tasting the sea salt on the wind and wanting to search out the previous books. The Good Book Guide

A storming sea story that should carry a force nine warning! Northern Echo

Genre fiction at its best - predictable enough to appeal to readers of Patrick O'Brian and Bernard Cornwell but with sufficient originality to win great praise from the critics. Publishing News

And from readers :

"As ever, it is superbly descriptive, with intimate detail of the day to day life on board ship never slowing the pace. The reader feels he is at the heart of one of the most famous mutinies in history".

"MUTINY was certainly a page turner. I was up until three in the morning finishing it and my only regret is having to wait another year for the next one".

"In the tradition of C S Forester, MUTINY proves Stockwin's yarn spinning mastery".

Published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton in hardback (ISBN 0 340 79479 8) and paperback
Published in the US by Scribner in hardback (ISBN 07432 5800 2)
To be published in the US by McBooks Press in paperback October 2005.

Plus foreign editions, abridged audiobook, unabridged audiobook, Braille and book club

(Book 5) QUARTERDECK
After his brave display at the Battle of Camperdown Kydd is promoted to Acting Lieutenant, but if he is to hold onto his rank, he must become more than just a master sailor. He must become a gentleman.

Kydd is such an outstandingly real character that it is hard to remember you are reading fiction. Western Daily News

[Kydd's] voyage of self-discovery is interestingly handled by the author through his attention to historical detail and inclusion of ways of the seas now gone from popular memory. A very satisfying read. Proceedings, US Naval Institute

Full of mighty storms and hard fighting.Flagship

And from readers :

"QUARTERDECK vividly brings to life the trials and tribulations of a newly promoted lieutenant in the Royal Navy of the late eighteenth century. Julian Stockwin has overtaken Patrick O'Brian and Alexander Kent!"

"As usual, a great read - I could not put it down and felt I was right there with Kydd! Julian really brings those times to life, and the detail of how the navy was run and organised is fantastic. I would recommend QUARTERDECK to all".

"QUARTERDECK is pivotal in the wonderful story of Thomas Kydd. We see Kydd's thought processes change with the new role he has to play - but none of this alters the outgoing character we know from earlier stories, just gives us more layers to explore!"

QUARTERDECK (UK edition) was published by Hodder & Stoughton in October 2004. ISBN: 0 340 83217 7; also available in paperback

QUARTERDECK (US edition) was published by McBooks Press in October 2005

Plus foreign editions, abridged audiobook, unabridged audiobook, Braille and book club

(Book 6) TENACIOUS
Thomas Kydd is in Halifax enjoying the recognition and favour of his fellow officers when Tenacious is summoned to join Horatio Nelson's taskforce on an urgent reconnaissance mission.

Fast action, great characters and tremendous dialogue make this, and the five previous Kydd books, top-of-the-line naval adventures. Illawarra Mercury

An action-packed tale...this book is for anyone with a passion for naval battles...and should also appeal to a wider audience as it documents some of the most influential moments in the history of Britain. Gazette

Tenacious, a book for every armchair sailor, has it all: from the depth of a gale and the terror a mariner feels on a lee shore, through the heat of battle. TallShipsBooks

And from readers :

"Nelson's victory at the Nile is so clearly written that I found myself understanding points of strategy that I had not grasped by reading history books. The Nile is just the beginning: we get to see some real maturity in our characters in this book."

"Be prepared for a more confident Kydd, able to command respect from officers and men alike. Informing at so many levels the narrative of TENACIOUS moves effortlessly between ships-of-the-line, 18th century European politics, fine social gatherings and bloody carnage."

"TENACIOUS ~ another triumph in this enthralling series - a gripping read, delving into the development of Kydd's career, while simultaneously thrusting the reader into the horrors of battle and its aftermath."

TENACIOUS (UK edition) was published by Hodder & Stoughton in October 2005.

ISBN: 0 340 83220 7; paperback April 2006

TENACIOUS (US edition) will be published by McBooks Press in September 2006

(Book 7), COMMAND, Thrilled at his first command, a little brig-sloop called Teazer, Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness.

The author sets a new standard in the genre of Napoleonic War naval stories." Nighthawk Patrol

And from readers :

"Action, adventure, raw emotion and historical quaility."

"COMMAND is Kydd's coming of age."

"Stockwin genuinely captures the elation of first command"

COMMAND (UK edition) was published by Hodder & Stoughton in October 2006.

ISBN 0 340 89855 0; paperback April 2007

COMMAND (US edition) was published by McBooks Press in February 2007

ISBN 1 590 131207

(Book 8), KYDD: THE ADMIRAL'S DAUGHTER was published simultaneously in the UK and US in October 2007

(Book 9), KYDD: THE PRIVATEER'S REVENGE will be published simultaneously in the UK and US in October 2008

Credit Allan House (Hi-resolution)

Credit George Titus

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