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The Captain from Connecticut
In his only novel about the American sailing navy, C.S. Forester describes the exploits of a typical U.S. frigate cruising at sea during the War of 1812. Its captain, Josiah Peabody, demonstrates the revolutionary virtues of a new democracy fighting for its survival against an overwhelmingly superior British navy. During his daring voyage from Long Island Sound to the Caribbean, Peabody and his crew manage to outrun, outfox and outmaneuver their clumsier opponents and deal them some shrewd blows in the process. At the same time, Peabody wins the affections of the same lady admired by the captain of a British warship.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1941
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346 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Forester
236 books977 followersCecil Scott Forester was the pen name of Cecil Louis Troughton Smith, an English novelist who rose to fame with tales of adventure and military crusades. His most notable works were the 11-book Horatio Hornblower series, about naval warfare during the Napoleonic era, and The African Queen (1935; filmed in 1951 by John Huston). His novels A Ship of the Line and Flying Colours were jointly awarded the 1938 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 21, 2024
I was so caught up with Forester's "Hornblower" series, I had missed many other books he penned.
"The Captain" is a short brief on the American side of the War of 1812 (Madison's War). Our featured Captain from Connecticut is sent out to break the British blockade of American's shores. He runs into the usual battles, interesting political twists, love AND marriage. Fun stuff. Sorry to mention. I predicted the ending well before I got there.
I need to keep revisiting authors (male and female) who get glossed over with time. Lots of old stories to get dusted off, lifted out of trunks, found in libraries. Books resist the tides of time.
"The Captain" is a short brief on the American side of the War of 1812 (Madison's War). Our featured Captain from Connecticut is sent out to break the British blockade of American's shores. He runs into the usual battles, interesting political twists, love AND marriage. Fun stuff. Sorry to mention. I predicted the ending well before I got there.
I need to keep revisiting authors (male and female) who get glossed over with time. Lots of old stories to get dusted off, lifted out of trunks, found in libraries. Books resist the tides of time.
July 18, 2013
After having absorbed the sum total of all the Patrick O'Brien Aubrey/Maturin books, I have to say that this early Forester novel held no real surprises for me. The sea-going scenes were well done with appropriate attention to detail. The connection with real historical events of the War of 1812 is nicely interwoven. However, the characters are, for the most part, woefully two-dimensional. The romance introduced seemed dreadfully shallow and poorly realized. But, perhaps in 1941 I should have not expected anything else. An easy read which flowed nicely. But I am hopeful that, as I get into the Hornblower books, the whole equals more than just the sum of its parts.
March 27, 2020
The Captain from Connecticut is an entertaining, action-filled story set during the Revolutionary War. It's quite similar to Forester's Horatio Hornblower series of books, except in this case, the ship's Captain, one Capt Peabody, is an American navy officer in charge of the Delaware. The US fleet for the most part is stuck in American harbors which are blockaded by the British fleet.
Peabody's first mission is to get his ship to open sea and he must do so during a horrendous storm to avoid the watchful eyes of the British. His aim, if he can accomplish this feat is to sail to the Caribbean and when there to disrupt the British cargo convoys and make the British pay a price for their war against America.
That is the gist of this excellent Forester story. Peabody is an excellent character, confident, competent, a skilled sailor and ship's officer. His ship is crewed by an excellent cast. Because of the blockade, he has been able to get experienced, talented officers and crew. The only hitch in this is her younger brother John, who Peabody brings on as a junior officer to get him away from his family. Unfortunately, John doesn't want to be at sea and is a regular thorn in Capt Peabody's side.
It's a fascinating story, the action is well-described. There is also a budding romance when Peabody and his ship run down a French ship. All in all, like most of Forester's sea-going adventures, well-crafted, a page turner and an all-round excellent tale. (4 stars)
Peabody's first mission is to get his ship to open sea and he must do so during a horrendous storm to avoid the watchful eyes of the British. His aim, if he can accomplish this feat is to sail to the Caribbean and when there to disrupt the British cargo convoys and make the British pay a price for their war against America.
That is the gist of this excellent Forester story. Peabody is an excellent character, confident, competent, a skilled sailor and ship's officer. His ship is crewed by an excellent cast. Because of the blockade, he has been able to get experienced, talented officers and crew. The only hitch in this is her younger brother John, who Peabody brings on as a junior officer to get him away from his family. Unfortunately, John doesn't want to be at sea and is a regular thorn in Capt Peabody's side.
It's a fascinating story, the action is well-described. There is also a budding romance when Peabody and his ship run down a French ship. All in all, like most of Forester's sea-going adventures, well-crafted, a page turner and an all-round excellent tale. (4 stars)
June 4, 2020
The War of 1812 really does not get much attention in American History studies in school. Nevertheless it is an interesting 'War' and an even more interesting time period. I really wish I knew more about sailing and the old sailboats and what all the sails were for [yes, they had different purposes] and how they operated.
Nevertheless, this C.S.Forester book is packed with adventure and bad weather and niceties in war that one would not believe still existed even two hundred years ago. Captain Peabody starts out with a full crew and supplies, but this is War and he does not know when he will be able to obtain more supplies or more men. With a blockade by the British, the Captain's task is to first - break the blockade - and then to roam the waters seeking what loot or booty he can.
It is a quick enough read to enjoy to enjoy in a short period of time.
Nevertheless, this C.S.Forester book is packed with adventure and bad weather and niceties in war that one would not believe still existed even two hundred years ago. Captain Peabody starts out with a full crew and supplies, but this is War and he does not know when he will be able to obtain more supplies or more men. With a blockade by the British, the Captain's task is to first - break the blockade - and then to roam the waters seeking what loot or booty he can.
It is a quick enough read to enjoy to enjoy in a short period of time.
May 14, 2022
This is at least my second re read of C. S. Forester’s The Captain from Connecticut. In part because I have a life long fondness for Forester and in part because this one leaves no strong memory. Written in 1941 it is fairly early Forester, about 10 years before his much better Hornblower saga. Given Forester’s association with the British government he may have been influenced by the need to write stories that would promote pro-British feelings among Americans, and he is focused on the fact that the US Navy in the War of 1812 was much smaller and the nation more vulnerable for this lack of warships. As always with Forester, this family friendly and the violence while plentiful is absent guts or gore.
In almost everything he says disparaging of those like Jefferson who thought sea power was an extravagance, he was correct. Then he never considers the problem of a USA that could not have competed ship for ship with the British Navy even with a few ships heavier than our fictional Captain Peabody’s frigate Delaware. My way of saying that this book has a heavy political slant. All of it in favor of defense spending.
Having just finished the 1935 novel, Captain Blood one can see similarities in the flow of events. The seafaring episodes are not that different. Forester seems to have a better sense of how to operate a full rigged ship and a slightly more realistic notion of smooth bore, at sea gunnery. The requisite romance is affected with great speed and add some much need depth to the emotional side of the book. If we accept love at first sight, the new internal thoughts of the warrior, now husband Peabody add variety and perspective.
Not bad reading for the right youngster and light for even a beach read. Mostly this is going to be enjoyed by people who already like C. S. Forester and know what to expect.
In almost everything he says disparaging of those like Jefferson who thought sea power was an extravagance, he was correct. Then he never considers the problem of a USA that could not have competed ship for ship with the British Navy even with a few ships heavier than our fictional Captain Peabody’s frigate Delaware. My way of saying that this book has a heavy political slant. All of it in favor of defense spending.
Having just finished the 1935 novel, Captain Blood one can see similarities in the flow of events. The seafaring episodes are not that different. Forester seems to have a better sense of how to operate a full rigged ship and a slightly more realistic notion of smooth bore, at sea gunnery. The requisite romance is affected with great speed and add some much need depth to the emotional side of the book. If we accept love at first sight, the new internal thoughts of the warrior, now husband Peabody add variety and perspective.
Not bad reading for the right youngster and light for even a beach read. Mostly this is going to be enjoyed by people who already like C. S. Forester and know what to expect.
July 6, 2013
This is an interesting book in comparison to Forester's much better known Hornblower series. Ultimately, I have to say I found Captain Peabody both more likable than Hornblower - and a far less interesting character. In many respects, this *feels* just like a Hornblower book, save with a watered-down American hero in his stead. The action is good, particularly the opening scene. But in the final analysis it does't quite hold up to Hornblower.
March 14, 2013
What fun to read a book so similar to the Hornblower novels, but in which it is OK to root for the Americans and against the British. After pulling so long for Horatio Hornblower, it felt a little treasonous to cheer on the American ship. But I managed it!
April 4, 2018
Exceptional sea writing as usual, but this captain is no Horatio Hornblower.
October 16, 2018
With his Hornblower series, C.S. Forester is the author who introduced me to historical fiction in general, and nautical fiction in particular, so I was enthusiastic when I found this title in a used bookstore, bought it and started to read.
It was an engaging tale about the early days of my own American Navy that I had read little about, but there were problems early. I found the protagonist, Capt. Josiah Peabody, to be a wholly unlikeable character.
In Peabody we see the stern commanding officer that is standard fare in novels such as this, but the troubling thing for me was his treatment of his steward, Washington -- a black man -- that had me raising my eyebrows. Why? I couldn't tell if Forester was trying to make some point by including a clearly racist view of Washington or if it was a case of Forester's own bigotry coming out through his writing.
Upon finishing the book and noting that the author had not used anything that had gone before to make some point about racist society, I adjudged it to be his own bigotry. This seemed confirmed at another point in the book when Capt. Peabody was fighting a Haitian pirate, whose "black face" was described in detail with its "thick lips."
Even accounting for this being HISTORICAL fiction, the captain's view toward women was almost as troubling as his view toward race.
Still, how much of was a portrait of Peabody, a fictional character, and how much was Forester? After reading the book, I can't answer that question.
With a publication date of 1941, I suppose I must grant Forester some leeway. In fact, men even in 2018 still have unacceptably misogynistic and racist views, as evidenced by the creature that now inhabits the Oval Office. Still, it was shocking to see from an author I have enjoyed so much before.
The Captain from Connecticut was not a bad book. But the societal issues I've referenced and a storyline that ended more with a whimper than a bang had me thinking how much better it could have been.
It was an engaging tale about the early days of my own American Navy that I had read little about, but there were problems early. I found the protagonist, Capt. Josiah Peabody, to be a wholly unlikeable character.
In Peabody we see the stern commanding officer that is standard fare in novels such as this, but the troubling thing for me was his treatment of his steward, Washington -- a black man -- that had me raising my eyebrows. Why? I couldn't tell if Forester was trying to make some point by including a clearly racist view of Washington or if it was a case of Forester's own bigotry coming out through his writing.
Upon finishing the book and noting that the author had not used anything that had gone before to make some point about racist society, I adjudged it to be his own bigotry. This seemed confirmed at another point in the book when Capt. Peabody was fighting a Haitian pirate, whose "black face" was described in detail with its "thick lips."
Even accounting for this being HISTORICAL fiction, the captain's view toward women was almost as troubling as his view toward race.
Still, how much of was a portrait of Peabody, a fictional character, and how much was Forester? After reading the book, I can't answer that question.
With a publication date of 1941, I suppose I must grant Forester some leeway. In fact, men even in 2018 still have unacceptably misogynistic and racist views, as evidenced by the creature that now inhabits the Oval Office. Still, it was shocking to see from an author I have enjoyed so much before.
The Captain from Connecticut was not a bad book. But the societal issues I've referenced and a storyline that ended more with a whimper than a bang had me thinking how much better it could have been.
August 25, 2021
My due respect to Mr Forester as one of the first and most respected of naval adventure authors but…I think this one is a sad flop. The naval action and the story is more or less on par with others in the genre, but unfortunately Capital Peabody is a deeply flawed protagonist.
It’s evident that Forester wanted to craft a hero on a human scale, with human flaws and doubts etc. In my opinion he succeeded a bit too well and so ruined the book. Nepotism and self-doubt? Selfish indulgence in the presence of the enemy and then self-flagellation for his happiness? Lack of respect for social conventions and at the same time, desire to be accepted into high society?
No, obviously the tale of Cpt. Peabody is neither here nor there and after a promising, adventure filled introduction, the second half of the book is completely sunk by the cliche-ridden story. I was thoroughly annoyed by him, which never happened reading the Aubrey-Maturin stories, not even in the deepest moment of despair.
This brings to my mind that discussion between Jack and Stephen - who’d be a better shipmate, naval qualifications being equal - a gentleman or someone from the lower classes? I know that I’d vote with Cpt. Aubrey on this one.
It’s evident that Forester wanted to craft a hero on a human scale, with human flaws and doubts etc. In my opinion he succeeded a bit too well and so ruined the book. Nepotism and self-doubt? Selfish indulgence in the presence of the enemy and then self-flagellation for his happiness? Lack of respect for social conventions and at the same time, desire to be accepted into high society?
No, obviously the tale of Cpt. Peabody is neither here nor there and after a promising, adventure filled introduction, the second half of the book is completely sunk by the cliche-ridden story. I was thoroughly annoyed by him, which never happened reading the Aubrey-Maturin stories, not even in the deepest moment of despair.
This brings to my mind that discussion between Jack and Stephen - who’d be a better shipmate, naval qualifications being equal - a gentleman or someone from the lower classes? I know that I’d vote with Cpt. Aubrey on this one.
February 10, 2024
This novel is about marine life, naval wars, conflict between USA (newly founded) and Britain on the 19th centruy
Knowing the emperial power that USA hold today, this story is a nice reminder that all great things start modest and disturbed!
The story is filled with marine life and ship's vocabulary, one may find it rather difficult if not accustomed to it, i had a great pleasure searching the meaning, though it is not my first time reading a naval story!
So it is about a captain with modest background and domestic struggle whom with his ship and crew sweep the Atlantic causing chaos to disturb the british as they control the american shores! He gets in a rather difficult situation along with his enemies, and even in the most difficult of times, one can not stop the mighty presence of love!
What was striking about this story, is the etiquette with which all characters addressed each other (almost all!)
Even with their nemesis on their worst of time, respect was not a joke!
It also shows that men can try to ignore women and look down to them, yet women always succeed with their intuitions and brilliant ideas!
I really enjoyed it
Knowing the emperial power that USA hold today, this story is a nice reminder that all great things start modest and disturbed!
The story is filled with marine life and ship's vocabulary, one may find it rather difficult if not accustomed to it, i had a great pleasure searching the meaning, though it is not my first time reading a naval story!
So it is about a captain with modest background and domestic struggle whom with his ship and crew sweep the Atlantic causing chaos to disturb the british as they control the american shores! He gets in a rather difficult situation along with his enemies, and even in the most difficult of times, one can not stop the mighty presence of love!
What was striking about this story, is the etiquette with which all characters addressed each other (almost all!)
Even with their nemesis on their worst of time, respect was not a joke!
It also shows that men can try to ignore women and look down to them, yet women always succeed with their intuitions and brilliant ideas!
I really enjoyed it
February 6, 2020
Forester's tale of an American captain during the War of 1812. Captain Peabody takes the USS Delaware past the British blockade to begin commerce raiding in the West Indies. The first half of the book follows the Delaware on some fine adventure against British convoys and harrowing Caribbean seaports. Thing change when the Delaware is captured by the French. Then Peabody must master diplomacy and meet his enemy face to face. And he finds love.
Another fine seafaring story by Forester. Some of the plots are taken straight from Horatio Hornblower with some interesting changes. Well worth reading.
Another fine seafaring story by Forester. Some of the plots are taken straight from Horatio Hornblower with some interesting changes. Well worth reading.
December 15, 2019
An early C.S. Forester, not very popular these days and cheaply sold. That is a bit unjust, because this is still a good naval story about the war of 1812. The American perspective adopted by a very British author makes it interesting to explore. Of course it could not actually end in battle.
It’s entertaining but immature, and there are serious trouble spots, such as the portrayal of Captain Peabody’s black servant as naturally and eagerly servile. In many ways this books needs to be apologised for on grounds of age.
It’s entertaining but immature, and there are serious trouble spots, such as the portrayal of Captain Peabody’s black servant as naturally and eagerly servile. In many ways this books needs to be apologised for on grounds of age.
December 18, 2019
Good read
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March 14, 2020
This was my first C.S. Forrester book. There were a few decent chapters and interesting naval situations. I was hoping for some unique Connecticut nautical history but there was
little in that department. I found the chapters dealing with his Martinique exploits dull and contrived, thus the low rating. I lost interest half way through and struggled to finish it. His other stuff I assume is better, but I won't be rushing to read any of it quite yet.
little in that department. I found the chapters dealing with his Martinique exploits dull and contrived, thus the low rating. I lost interest half way through and struggled to finish it. His other stuff I assume is better, but I won't be rushing to read any of it quite yet.
May 9, 2020
Outstanding Characters & Story
Never disappointed by a C.S. Forester sea tale & this one is no different. A roundly drawn yankee Captain, a beautiful ship, & a bit of romance for spice make a wonderful story.
No question of his knowledge of sailing ships, of the area tha story is set in, the background he provides, no lack of appealing twists & turns. A treasure to match the Hornblower series.
Never disappointed by a C.S. Forester sea tale & this one is no different. A roundly drawn yankee Captain, a beautiful ship, & a bit of romance for spice make a wonderful story.
No question of his knowledge of sailing ships, of the area tha story is set in, the background he provides, no lack of appealing twists & turns. A treasure to match the Hornblower series.
October 30, 2018
I admit it's some time since I read the Hornblower books, this somehow seems slightly less polished, like he is still learning which bits make a really good story and which are actually a distraction. But don't misunderstand, I still thought this was a very good, captivating and quick story that I very much enjoyed
September 5, 2019
Only a couple write like this
Guess I'm ex navy and have had a few blow boats. Appeals to that in me because I want to be in there at that time and place in my imagination. Oh well I'm not but one can fantasize over a good historical p!ot where sailing was just a tremendous art form....even if the society was lacking but hopefully growing
Guess I'm ex navy and have had a few blow boats. Appeals to that in me because I want to be in there at that time and place in my imagination. Oh well I'm not but one can fantasize over a good historical p!ot where sailing was just a tremendous art form....even if the society was lacking but hopefully growing
May 17, 2020
A great read from a master story teller.
I like the way the author shows you the inner thought and feelings of his characters. This makes for intimacy with them. His knowledge of the sea, of men and ships is remarkable , and as a former sailor , his descriptions of sailing are very gratifying.. A cracking good tale!
I like the way the author shows you the inner thought and feelings of his characters. This makes for intimacy with them. His knowledge of the sea, of men and ships is remarkable , and as a former sailor , his descriptions of sailing are very gratifying.. A cracking good tale!
October 9, 2020
First published in 1941, 'The Captain from Connecticut' is a historical adventure novel set during the War of 1812, and follows the fortunes of Captain Josiah Peabody of the US frigate Delaware as he fights both the elements and the Royal Navy. Quite enjoyable, although it's similarities in style to his Hornblower novels is probably why he didn't pursue the subject further.
November 6, 2020
This is a good read about the conflict between England and America in the period when America had few ships and the British Navy was the largest in the world. The Captain shows the same character deficiencies (self-examined) as Hornblower by the same author. A disbelief that he is good enough...
Still he succeeds
Still he succeeds
July 3, 2022
Forester's intimate knowledge of sailing is clearly shown in this novel. I first learned about Forester from his Hornblower series. I think I have enjoyed every one of his novels. The hero of this book is an American naval captain during the War of 1812. His job is to disrupt British commerce in the Caribbean. It is a great story with lots of detail and several twists.
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March 17, 2025Although the copyright date of this novel is 1941, three years after "Beat to Quarters," one senses that the development of the character of Captain Josiah Peabody, captain of a frigate in the fledgling U.S. Navy during the War of 1812, might be a practice run for development of the character of Horatio Hornblower, C.S. Forester's British Navy hero living during the Napoleonic Wars time period.
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October 23, 2025I really liked this book. I’ve never read a book by this author, but I’m sure I’ve heard of other ones. It is a little sentimental in places, but that was OK. It didn’t really detract from the story. At least his characters have conflicting emotions. And the plot was good. I have to admit I did not see that ending coming.:-)
August 14, 2019
A Great Novel
Captain Peabody seems the quintessential sea faring man bound by duty and honor. much more enjoyable read than Hornblower. Well written. Good plot and plot twists. Great characters. Loved it!
Captain Peabody seems the quintessential sea faring man bound by duty and honor. much more enjoyable read than Hornblower. Well written. Good plot and plot twists. Great characters. Loved it!
October 23, 2020
A revealing account of the U.S. Navy in the war of 1812
While a novel an account of the shape of the U.S. Navy in the war of 1812 was very revealing and in many ways tragic. Much was learned by the reader.
While a novel an account of the shape of the U.S. Navy in the war of 1812 was very revealing and in many ways tragic. Much was learned by the reader.
November 1, 2020
Good yarn
I liked the details!s of sailing ship maneuvers during the battles. I tried to envision the scenes. The plot was fast moving with little down time which is Foresters style.
I liked the details!s of sailing ship maneuvers during the battles. I tried to envision the scenes. The plot was fast moving with little down time which is Foresters style.
November 21, 2020
You know, I almost stopped reading halfway through - but something kept me going. I’m glad I did, because it was a joy to read. Once they reached the French territory things got interesting.
It was a fun read.
It was a fun read.
March 4, 2021
Tin can sailors
Kept on my toes as this Connecticut moved his ship thru lots of battles. Had to be hard back then wooden ships and iron men. I was in the Navy on a tin an it wasn't as ruff as these men had it.
Kept on my toes as this Connecticut moved his ship thru lots of battles. Had to be hard back then wooden ships and iron men. I was in the Navy on a tin an it wasn't as ruff as these men had it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews