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Commander: The Life and Exploits of Britain's Greatest Frigate Captain
"Nobody describes a naval battle better than Taylor…a flawless demonstration of the biographer’s craft." —Jan Morris, The Guardian
Edward Pellew, captain of the legendary Indefatigable, was quite simply the greatest British frigate captain in the age of sail. Left fatherless at age eight, with a penniless mother and five siblings, Pellew fought his way from the very bottom of the navy to fleet command. Victories and eye-catching feats won him a public following. Yet he had a gift for antagonizing his better-born peers, and he made powerful enemies. Redemption came with his last command, when he set off to do battle with the Barbary States and free thousands of European slaves. Opinion held this to be an impossible mission, and Pellew himself, leading from the front in the style of his contemporary Nelson, did not expect to survive.Pellew’s humanity, fondness for subordinates, and blind love for his family, and the warmth and intimacy of his letters, make him a hugely engaging figure. Stephen Taylor gives him at last the biography he deserves.
Edward Pellew, captain of the legendary Indefatigable, was quite simply the greatest British frigate captain in the age of sail. Left fatherless at age eight, with a penniless mother and five siblings, Pellew fought his way from the very bottom of the navy to fleet command. Victories and eye-catching feats won him a public following. Yet he had a gift for antagonizing his better-born peers, and he made powerful enemies. Redemption came with his last command, when he set off to do battle with the Barbary States and free thousands of European slaves. Opinion held this to be an impossible mission, and Pellew himself, leading from the front in the style of his contemporary Nelson, did not expect to survive.Pellew’s humanity, fondness for subordinates, and blind love for his family, and the warmth and intimacy of his letters, make him a hugely engaging figure. Stephen Taylor gives him at last the biography he deserves.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 10, 2014
Pellew was England's greatest Frigate captain. He won his spurs before anyone had heard of Nelson. But (although arising from similar simple and plain-spoken origins), Pellew lacked the grace, devotion of subordinates, and Nelsonian quasi-religious martyrdom at Trafalgar. He suffered fools poorly, had no idea how to fit within London society (despite a term as MP), and became life-long enemies with Jervis (St Vincent), a figure whose style should have complemented Pelew's.
This is a very good read. Stephen Taylor wonders why our most common association with Pellew is fiction--Hornblower's mentor or the O'Brian hero's thinly disguised exploits. Good question. Because before rising to command ships of the line and to Flag Rank, Pellew took more French prizes than any other English captain. Interestingly, the French Captains Pellew captured seemed to believe Pellew among the best, and certainly the most honorable, of all English sailors.
Taylor tells a well-written and readable story, unearthing new details since the last "standard biography" (by C. Northcote Parkinson--it drove me nuts that Taylor failed to mention that Parkinson wrote five novels about an English frigate captain, some of whose exploits sound quite Pellew-ish). Taylor says Pellew's efforts to advance his own children and relatives "made a cat for his own back," surely the best quote from the book.
Mind you, Pellew did well -- he ended the war Vicsount Lord Exmouth -- but, as Taylor said, he was always "a parvenu." Nelson wasn't--had it not been for Lady Hamilton and the apotheosis of a death made for "Fox's Book of Martyrs," Nelson would have been First Lord. Taylor makes clear that it's impossible to imagine Pellew as anything but the simple Cornishman he was born to be. Taylor doesn't say so, but England needed simple Cornishman incapable of flattering the King almost as much as it needed Nelson.
This is a very good read. Stephen Taylor wonders why our most common association with Pellew is fiction--Hornblower's mentor or the O'Brian hero's thinly disguised exploits. Good question. Because before rising to command ships of the line and to Flag Rank, Pellew took more French prizes than any other English captain. Interestingly, the French Captains Pellew captured seemed to believe Pellew among the best, and certainly the most honorable, of all English sailors.
Taylor tells a well-written and readable story, unearthing new details since the last "standard biography" (by C. Northcote Parkinson--it drove me nuts that Taylor failed to mention that Parkinson wrote five novels about an English frigate captain, some of whose exploits sound quite Pellew-ish). Taylor says Pellew's efforts to advance his own children and relatives "made a cat for his own back," surely the best quote from the book.
Mind you, Pellew did well -- he ended the war Vicsount Lord Exmouth -- but, as Taylor said, he was always "a parvenu." Nelson wasn't--had it not been for Lady Hamilton and the apotheosis of a death made for "Fox's Book of Martyrs," Nelson would have been First Lord. Taylor makes clear that it's impossible to imagine Pellew as anything but the simple Cornishman he was born to be. Taylor doesn't say so, but England needed simple Cornishman incapable of flattering the King almost as much as it needed Nelson.
March 13, 2015
Though he's best known today from the fictional Hornblower series by C.S. Forester, the real Sir Edward Pellew - later 1st Viscount Exmouth - was a far from obscure figure. From his first command in the American Revolutionary War, where he played a key role in the the defeat of Benedict Arnold's makeshift American navy on Lake Champlain, to his success in the decades of war against France after the revolution, troubled Indian command, and the bombardment of Algiers (also related in Gile's Milton's book about a relative of Pellew, White Gold) which brought an end to Christian slavery in North Africa, the Cornish seaman's exploits made him a household name in a time when great naval officers were celebrities.
Taylor's excellent biography of Exmouth focuses not only on the strengths of the man (his seamanship and mastery of frigate warfare, his generally close relationship with his crews) but also his flaws (nepotism, most notably, but also paranoia and weak diplomatic skills). It's a generally well-rounded volume, celebrating Pellew's achievements while criticising his weaknesses, though at times a bit more impartiality may have been warranted. Commander is not all character analysis, though. Taylor narrates the numerous engagements which made Pellew famous in a clear, fast-paced manner, which is informative but not bogged down in nautical minutiae.
This isn't hard hitting biography. Taylor is, perhaps reasonably, too admiring of his subject for that. It's more of an adventure story, featuring actual events and actual people. It's a style of biography I enjoy, and this book is an excellent example of it.
Taylor's excellent biography of Exmouth focuses not only on the strengths of the man (his seamanship and mastery of frigate warfare, his generally close relationship with his crews) but also his flaws (nepotism, most notably, but also paranoia and weak diplomatic skills). It's a generally well-rounded volume, celebrating Pellew's achievements while criticising his weaknesses, though at times a bit more impartiality may have been warranted. Commander is not all character analysis, though. Taylor narrates the numerous engagements which made Pellew famous in a clear, fast-paced manner, which is informative but not bogged down in nautical minutiae.
This isn't hard hitting biography. Taylor is, perhaps reasonably, too admiring of his subject for that. It's more of an adventure story, featuring actual events and actual people. It's a style of biography I enjoy, and this book is an excellent example of it.
February 24, 2013
Sir Edward Pellew - later Lord Exmouth - is one of the great, relatively unknown heroes of the Napoleonic era. Born of common stock, he acquitted himself as a sailor, tactician and leader of men from an early age in the American Revolutionary War (or the War of Independence, as the other side referred to it) in a boat battle against Benedict Arnold's forces in Canada, and went on to be one of the highest prize-takers in the British Navy. Captured enemy ships were taken as "prize", with the Navy essentially purchasing the ships to be inducted into their own navy, and the proceeds being split between the captain, officers and crew of the successful ship.
This success made Pellew both a very rich man and the toast of London; among his most ardent fans was none other than King George III himself. But it also earned him the resentment of many of his fellow officers and more than a few dedicated enemies who would undermine his career at every opportunity.
Remarkably, Pellew was held as high esteem by the French captains he defeated in battle, for his gallantry and the hospitality he afforded to them and their captured crews. A few even maintained warm correspondence through the course of the war and after.
Overshadowed by his exact contemporary, Horatio Nelson, and denied the opportunity of dying in battle as his rival did, he nonetheless completed his seagoing career with perhaps the most audacious and remarkable sea-borne sieges in British naval history.
Taylor presents a complete character, a man who was often brought down by his own deep flaws, but nonetheless was an extraordinarily capable sea-captain and admiral. Pellew had a talent building shipboard families, eliciting loyalty from the most cynical of sea-dogs, and recognising and raising talented up to his high standard. Dozens of men under his command went on to be boat and ship captains of good reputation. An eminently readable book about one of the unacknowledged heroes of the Napoleonic era.
This success made Pellew both a very rich man and the toast of London; among his most ardent fans was none other than King George III himself. But it also earned him the resentment of many of his fellow officers and more than a few dedicated enemies who would undermine his career at every opportunity.
Remarkably, Pellew was held as high esteem by the French captains he defeated in battle, for his gallantry and the hospitality he afforded to them and their captured crews. A few even maintained warm correspondence through the course of the war and after.
Overshadowed by his exact contemporary, Horatio Nelson, and denied the opportunity of dying in battle as his rival did, he nonetheless completed his seagoing career with perhaps the most audacious and remarkable sea-borne sieges in British naval history.
Taylor presents a complete character, a man who was often brought down by his own deep flaws, but nonetheless was an extraordinarily capable sea-captain and admiral. Pellew had a talent building shipboard families, eliciting loyalty from the most cynical of sea-dogs, and recognising and raising talented up to his high standard. Dozens of men under his command went on to be boat and ship captains of good reputation. An eminently readable book about one of the unacknowledged heroes of the Napoleonic era.
March 4, 2013
I was very excited to read this book, but it took me ages to finish. It's a bit dry and a bit repetitive (writes the lawyer, used to reading dry, repetitive books).
There's a bad error made about Pellew being "overdue" to promotion to admiral, when the reality was promotion was strictly according to the Navy List (that is, by seniority -- once you made captain, you had to wait your turn; if you lived long enough, you'd make admiral). That's Age of Sail 101. It's possible the author meant something else, like perhaps because he'd already done so much as a captain he ought to have been an admiral, but I doubt it; Pellew was a much better captain than he ever was an admiral. That's the sort of error that calls into question the rest of the book, and it's unfortunate.
Anyway, probably 3.5 if I could. Rounding up because his was an interesting life, and it makes me want to go back and reread Hornblower.
There's a bad error made about Pellew being "overdue" to promotion to admiral, when the reality was promotion was strictly according to the Navy List (that is, by seniority -- once you made captain, you had to wait your turn; if you lived long enough, you'd make admiral). That's Age of Sail 101. It's possible the author meant something else, like perhaps because he'd already done so much as a captain he ought to have been an admiral, but I doubt it; Pellew was a much better captain than he ever was an admiral. That's the sort of error that calls into question the rest of the book, and it's unfortunate.
Anyway, probably 3.5 if I could. Rounding up because his was an interesting life, and it makes me want to go back and reread Hornblower.
January 27, 2020
Typically I am not fond of biographies which either are too filled with praise or too filled with antagonism and hostility. Taylor here does a good job of toeing the line between these extremes, showing the fine and the faulty points of Admiral Pellew's life from youth to his death.
This was of particular interest to me because Pellew features very strongly in the Horatio Hornblower books, as well as serving as one of the models for nearly every Napoleonic era sailing captain ever written, particularly Captain Aubrey.
Pellew was a mixed character. On the one hand, he was incredibly gifted with his men and sailing ship, brilliant captain and fighter, loving (if flawed) husband, and an innovator with tactics and his profession. Pellew was responsible for several changes in harsh shipboard discipline, lightening the cruelty inflicted on sailors.
On the other hand, he was not very politic, often antagonizing the very people who could best help him. Over the years he got better at it, and by the time he retired was actually quite diplomatic, but for many years he hurt his career. Plus, he was so desperate that his family not suffer the poverty he grew up in that he seemed greedy and was almost insanely protective and promoting of his family members no matter their individual merits. Nepotism ain't in it, as Patrick O'Brian would write.
Overall a fine book about a sadly almost forgotten brilliant ship captain and heroic figure so grand that his enemies admired him.
This was of particular interest to me because Pellew features very strongly in the Horatio Hornblower books, as well as serving as one of the models for nearly every Napoleonic era sailing captain ever written, particularly Captain Aubrey.
Pellew was a mixed character. On the one hand, he was incredibly gifted with his men and sailing ship, brilliant captain and fighter, loving (if flawed) husband, and an innovator with tactics and his profession. Pellew was responsible for several changes in harsh shipboard discipline, lightening the cruelty inflicted on sailors.
On the other hand, he was not very politic, often antagonizing the very people who could best help him. Over the years he got better at it, and by the time he retired was actually quite diplomatic, but for many years he hurt his career. Plus, he was so desperate that his family not suffer the poverty he grew up in that he seemed greedy and was almost insanely protective and promoting of his family members no matter their individual merits. Nepotism ain't in it, as Patrick O'Brian would write.
Overall a fine book about a sadly almost forgotten brilliant ship captain and heroic figure so grand that his enemies admired him.
August 19, 2018
I enjoyed this biography of Admiral Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth, GCB that I picked up on a discounted bookshelf. A contemporary of Lord Nelson, Edward Pellew served with the Royal Navy in during the American Revolution and ended his active service at the Bombardment of Algiers where he secured the release of the 1,200 Christian slaves. I found this to be an interesting read and insight into a golden age for the British Navy.
May 25, 2019
Four and a half stars. Interesting biography of a larger than life legend in his time, but the biography focuses almost solely on his military career, and little on his life after 1816.
November 3, 2020
Well researched, well written, a very good read! The only problem is that now I've had to go back to read all of Hornblower and the Aubrey/Maturin series all over again.
February 18, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The subject, Edward Pellew, is a fascinating and compelling character. Pellew was a powerful, vital sea commander of great courage and zeal. He treated his crews fairly, fought his enemies fiercely, and loved his family deeply. His career showed what a leader can do who is willing to lead from the front, treat everyone with respect, and clearly focus the team on their goals. The author also touched on Pellew's weaknesses such as pushing his older sons too fast into careers, fighting with his peers, and often clumsy communications with senior officers and government officials. The biographer, Stephen Taylor, writes clearly and honestly in favor of this amazing character.
December 12, 2012
A well-written and carefully researched biography of one of the less well-known heroes of the Royal Navy during the wars against France, Sir Edward Pellew. Taylor's book is thorough, perceptive, and an excellent introduction to Pellew, who has become unfortunately mostly a footnote thanks to his role in one of C.S. Forester's Hornblower novels. Great reading, a fine and sympathetic portrait of a very complicated man, and highly recommended.
August 3, 2013
Great read of one of the best Frigate Commanders England had. Somehow Pellew's accomplishments are obscured in Nelson's shadow but Taylor makes that case that he was the better fighting sailor.
January 21, 2026
Audible/Kindle
Premiere Frigate Capt Edward Pellew (1757–1833) rose farther than almost any officer of his generation, starting with little more than seamanship, nerve, & opportunity. Taylor’s biography offers a competent, workmanlike account of that ascent — informative and steady rather than rousing or dramatic…it also - as so many do - gets bogged down with minor characters & info that didn’t hold my attention.
Pellew went to sea young and built his reputation the hard way, distinguishing himself during the American Revolutionary War, notably in the cutting-out and capture of the French frigate Cléopâtre (1793) while commanding HMS Nymphe — an action that helped establish his reputation as a first-rate frigate captain. Commands followed in ships such as legendary HMS Indefatigable, where Pellew demonstrated relentless energy, tactical aggression, & near-instinctive grasp of ship handling. His role in the destruction of the French ship Les Droits de l’Homme (1797) stands as one of the most famous frigate actions of the era, showcasing his ability to exploit weather, coastal geography, and superior seamanship.
Taylor makes clear that Pellew’s career paralleled Horatio Nelson in important ways: both were bold, hands-on commanders with a gift for inspiring loyalty. Yet Pellew lacked Nelson’s political patrons and mythmaking machinery. Despite becoming Baron Exmouth (1814) after his leadership in suppressing the Barbary pirates and commanding the Bombardment of Algiers (1816) — a decisive action that forced the release of thousands of Christian slaves — Pellew never quite escaped the stigma of his low-born origins. Taylor repeatedly emphasizes that, even at the height of his success, Pellew remained slightly outside the inner aristocratic circle that defined naval prestige.
The book is strongest when covering Pellew’s active sea career and weakest once he transitions into senior command and administration. His later life — including his elevation to Viscount Exmouth, his role as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, and his complicated relationships with his sons (several of whom followed him to sea with mixed success) — is handled competently but without much narrative spark.
This is not a romanticized portrait, nor is it a revisionist takedown. Taylor presents Pellew as a supremely capable fighting officer: brave, demanding, occasionally abrasive, deeply loyal to his crews, and somewhat uncomfortable ashore. The prose is straightforward, sometimes dry, and rarely soars — but it does the job.
Bottom line
A solid, reliable biography of one of Britain’s greatest frigate captains. Pellew emerges as a man who earned everything he got — and never quite got everything his service deserved. Recommended for readers interested in professional naval excellence rather than legend-building.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - maybe 3.5.
Premiere Frigate Capt Edward Pellew (1757–1833) rose farther than almost any officer of his generation, starting with little more than seamanship, nerve, & opportunity. Taylor’s biography offers a competent, workmanlike account of that ascent — informative and steady rather than rousing or dramatic…it also - as so many do - gets bogged down with minor characters & info that didn’t hold my attention.
Pellew went to sea young and built his reputation the hard way, distinguishing himself during the American Revolutionary War, notably in the cutting-out and capture of the French frigate Cléopâtre (1793) while commanding HMS Nymphe — an action that helped establish his reputation as a first-rate frigate captain. Commands followed in ships such as legendary HMS Indefatigable, where Pellew demonstrated relentless energy, tactical aggression, & near-instinctive grasp of ship handling. His role in the destruction of the French ship Les Droits de l’Homme (1797) stands as one of the most famous frigate actions of the era, showcasing his ability to exploit weather, coastal geography, and superior seamanship.
Taylor makes clear that Pellew’s career paralleled Horatio Nelson in important ways: both were bold, hands-on commanders with a gift for inspiring loyalty. Yet Pellew lacked Nelson’s political patrons and mythmaking machinery. Despite becoming Baron Exmouth (1814) after his leadership in suppressing the Barbary pirates and commanding the Bombardment of Algiers (1816) — a decisive action that forced the release of thousands of Christian slaves — Pellew never quite escaped the stigma of his low-born origins. Taylor repeatedly emphasizes that, even at the height of his success, Pellew remained slightly outside the inner aristocratic circle that defined naval prestige.
The book is strongest when covering Pellew’s active sea career and weakest once he transitions into senior command and administration. His later life — including his elevation to Viscount Exmouth, his role as Commander-in-Chief in the Mediterranean, and his complicated relationships with his sons (several of whom followed him to sea with mixed success) — is handled competently but without much narrative spark.
This is not a romanticized portrait, nor is it a revisionist takedown. Taylor presents Pellew as a supremely capable fighting officer: brave, demanding, occasionally abrasive, deeply loyal to his crews, and somewhat uncomfortable ashore. The prose is straightforward, sometimes dry, and rarely soars — but it does the job.
Bottom line
A solid, reliable biography of one of Britain’s greatest frigate captains. Pellew emerges as a man who earned everything he got — and never quite got everything his service deserved. Recommended for readers interested in professional naval excellence rather than legend-building.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) - maybe 3.5.
August 7, 2020
The biography of Edward Pellow who spent most of his life at sea battling Britain's enemies. The first part of the book of Pellow's early life is the more interesting and the author's writing style is that of a boys' own adventure.
As Pellow is promoted and his life becomes more political the writing style becomes a dull gray and it felt more as if I was reading a university set text.
As a character Taylor manages to show how Pellow cared about his crew but was still not bothered about a bit of nepotism as his sons prospered in the navy also.
We don't get a full picture about his family despite plenty of documents being available and it makes you think what was in the family papers destroyed by his wife Susan.
This is a problem with history, we never get a full picture and hence we question, what is the real truth?
As Pellow is promoted and his life becomes more political the writing style becomes a dull gray and it felt more as if I was reading a university set text.
As a character Taylor manages to show how Pellow cared about his crew but was still not bothered about a bit of nepotism as his sons prospered in the navy also.
We don't get a full picture about his family despite plenty of documents being available and it makes you think what was in the family papers destroyed by his wife Susan.
This is a problem with history, we never get a full picture and hence we question, what is the real truth?
January 20, 2018
Although my prior impression of Captain Pellew was from, as most readers, C.S. Forester's Hornblower series, I am very pleased to say that the author of this well-written biography has done a great job. Also, I would even say that the British actor Robert Linsay played the role very very well in the acclaimed Hornblower mini TV series.
It's no doubt that CS Forester blended Pellew & co. into the fictions masterfully. For example, the cutting-out of the French corvette Papillon in Midshipman Hornblower (Even Chance in TV mini series) resembled Jeremiah Coglan's daring cut-out of French gun-brig Cerbère. Coglan, as an acting lieutenant and very junior midshipman, was one of Pellew's most favorite protégés -- just like Hornblower in CS Forester's fiction.
It's no doubt that CS Forester blended Pellew & co. into the fictions masterfully. For example, the cutting-out of the French corvette Papillon in Midshipman Hornblower (Even Chance in TV mini series) resembled Jeremiah Coglan's daring cut-out of French gun-brig Cerbère. Coglan, as an acting lieutenant and very junior midshipman, was one of Pellew's most favorite protégés -- just like Hornblower in CS Forester's fiction.
June 9, 2022
Really enjoyed this one! An entertaining, interesting and brilliantly written book about the life and legacy of Edward Pellew. I knew him mainly from Hornblower and Robert Lindsay’s fab portrayal of him but I found the later sections on his life just as fascinating as the Hornblower-era Indefatigable chapters. There are definitely some shades of Pellew in the Aubrey–Maturin books: not only in his earlier years and single-ship actions, but in the diplomatic missions to Algiers and the debates over Christian slavery and Barbary piracy. That was a period I knew next to nothing about. And it’s always interesting when ships I *do* know about pop up, like Hecla and Fury during the bombardment of Algiers – later to get stuck in the Arctic like Erebus and Terror.
January 5, 2019
I got a good sense of Edward Pellew's character, strengths and weaknesses, and the challenges from his childhood he overcame. He worked his way from a 13-year-old kid with no connections to earning the rank of lieutenant and finally captain. His lovely wife Susan was a joy to learn about, as well as their growing family. Pellew's warm-hearted love for his family and friends, as well as those he commanded, endeared him. He was an excellent seaman, true to his country and the British Navy's success. A fascinating portrait of Pellew's life, legacy, his rise through the ranks, and final battle for the freedom of slaves. I also appreciate the clear writing - it made it easy to understand.
February 4, 2021
The book’s cover marketed this as a real life O’Brien “Master and Commander” sailing adventure, but rather than a ripping yarn of exciting sea battles, it read more like “The HMS Downton Abbey.”
It gets off to an encouraging start with the exploits of the young Pellew, impressing his superiors with his agility and strength, and into the excitement of his first commands. But after a couple of prize ships are taken by him, he is reassigned into a dull patrolling duty under an admiral with no taste for battle, and his rage and ambition make him a lot of enemies. While Nelson is off being a hero at Trafalgar, Pellew is becalmed on convoy duty in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the upper brass of the Royal Navy jealously snipe at each other about promotions and relative shares of prize ships, and constantly engage in nepotism. As this soap opera expands, the pace of the saga hits the doldrums. Finally, in the last 60-some pages, the story comes back to life with great writing and good pacing and is quickly concluded with a good fight. Three stars.
It gets off to an encouraging start with the exploits of the young Pellew, impressing his superiors with his agility and strength, and into the excitement of his first commands. But after a couple of prize ships are taken by him, he is reassigned into a dull patrolling duty under an admiral with no taste for battle, and his rage and ambition make him a lot of enemies. While Nelson is off being a hero at Trafalgar, Pellew is becalmed on convoy duty in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the upper brass of the Royal Navy jealously snipe at each other about promotions and relative shares of prize ships, and constantly engage in nepotism. As this soap opera expands, the pace of the saga hits the doldrums. Finally, in the last 60-some pages, the story comes back to life with great writing and good pacing and is quickly concluded with a good fight. Three stars.
April 21, 2022
A good biography of Edward Pellew who was a British naval officer in the age of sail. Starts with his efforts on Lake Champlain in the American revolution and ends with his command of the British fleet that bombarded Algiers and resulted in the freeing of Christian slaves there. Pellew seems to have lived in the shadow of Horatio Nelson after his early sucesses as a frigate captain. Entertaining book that gives some illumination on the British navy as it faced Bonaparte and other issues in its world wide empire. Recommended read.
June 7, 2022
Vivid, entertaining, and informative, this biography provides a unique window into an extinct world. Considering the historical events described, there is little doubt that Pellew was a major inspiration for the character Jack Aubrey in the Master and Commander series. I found the opportunity to hear the real-life version of these amazing stories to be fascinating, and recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about history, the age of sail, or true and inspiring tales of heroes. The world might be a better place if we had more people like Edward Pellew.
October 9, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It's pretty much the only source in Pellew and the Bombardment of Algiers. It's obvious that a lot of work went into this, and whilst it's well written, the author has an annoying habit of making a statement but then failing to support it with evidence. For instance, repeated mentions of Pellew being unfaithful to his wife during service, which, may very well be true but without evidence to support it, is it a claim that needs to be made? Nonetheless, it's a decent biography of a man who has slipped off the pages of time unfairly.
April 11, 2018
Most engrossing for those fascinated by the age of British sail. There was a reason they ruled the seas-where certain aspects of British land forces tend to underwhelm , the stories of Admiral Pellew and Nelson (among many) are still astounding.
While Pellew's strict monarchist beliefs don't square with my own, his extraordinary abilities and raw courage are STILL awe inspiring- these men were a class unto their own.
While Pellew's strict monarchist beliefs don't square with my own, his extraordinary abilities and raw courage are STILL awe inspiring- these men were a class unto their own.
April 7, 2023
Disappointed in the way most of his frigate actions were glossed over instead of being detailed accounts. He did give a good detailed account of the attack on Algiers. I'm guessing maybe cause the Frigate actions are well known tells to Fighting Sail enthusiasts, whereas the Algiers battle is not. Good book.
December 10, 2022
Stephen Taylor brought to vivid life a time period with many oversized characters, set within one of the world’s most turbulent times. With biographies it seems you roll the dice on whether it’s monotone and bland, or rich and vibrant. No doubt about this being the latter.
March 3, 2017
All of the interesting stuff seems to have happened after he retired. Unforntunately, that means the first 2/3s of the book are very engaging.
January 23, 2018
Fascinating story poorly told. The author gets in the way of his subject time and again, telling the reader what to think. Passable but not much more
February 23, 2019
I loved it. It’s the story of a remarkable guy in an extraordinary period of our history. Educated in England and I had never heard of him. Seems wrong.
April 29, 2020
Excellent
Definitely one of the best biographies for learning about the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Got a good feel for Pellew the man as well.
Definitely one of the best biographies for learning about the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Got a good feel for Pellew the man as well.
June 24, 2023
Good little history lesson. Jack Aubrey must be partially based on Pellow.
June 11, 2020
Every now and then, the perfect storm comes along. One such storm is the Life & Biography of Edward Pellew, 1st Viscount Exmouth written by Stephen Taylor.
I don't normally read biographies because reality often lacks good narrative structure. The life of sir Edward Pellew is a rare exception; Beginning with lowly perantage and no patronage, his is an underdog story filled with all the best tropes; Thrilling combat, bitter betrayal, wrenching loss. The narrative is sharpened by Taylor who has a fantastic grasp of his craft - he seems to know exactly what events and aspects should be dwelled on and explored, and what should be moved past in haste. Taylor brings Pellew to life as a genuine character and tells his story with all the ups, downs, foreshadowing and closure of a good novel. As a result, Commander feels like it belongs in the Hornblower canon - There are lively characters whose personalities shine and interact, battles that as heart-racing as they are strategically engaged, and in the midst of it all a genuinely likeable, relatable, imperfect man working his way through shot, gale and betrayal.
And that's what I mean by perfect storm: Pellew's life has all the hallmarks of a good narrative, and the man is a genuine character. Reading Commander, I felt and fought along with Pellew as much as i ever did for Hornblower or Aubrey. This is not a dispassionate historical account but a genuine story, and it's easy to become engaged - to feel a well of pride as see an awkward young man overcome it all to win his first victory, and to curse at each setback as much or more than pellew himself must have been. In Pellew. Stephen Taylor has found exceptional clay - and he is a potter to match. Despite evocative and descriptive storytelling, Commander never forgets that it is a history book; It is well sourced, makes extensive use of excepts from letters and first-hand accounts, and is never afraid to admit when the truth is simply unclear or unknowable. Although it's clear that Taylor admires his subject, the admiration never gets in the way displaying the full Pellew - A man who, while unsurpassed at frigate combat, still floundered in discomfort when in command of a fleet. A men who loved his family and is children to such an extreme that he ignored their flaws, pulling strings to put them in commands well above their capability. A man who, despite brilliance and achievement, was plagued by both jealousy and self-doubt. It is these characteristics that reign the larger-than-life hero in and remind us that he was a real man with many of the same vices of all of us. Honest appraisal of these character flaws combined with Pellews motivations make him a genuine protagonist - a better one than in many books i've read - that is likeable and relatable, drawing us further into immersion. Weaved within the life of such an sympathetic character are shadowy plots, interpersonal conflicts and rivalries, thrilling sea battles, loves and losses, all on the backdrop of a near globe-spanning war. At it's heart,Commander is an adventure story. And a damned good one, at that.
I don't normally read biographies because reality often lacks good narrative structure. The life of sir Edward Pellew is a rare exception; Beginning with lowly perantage and no patronage, his is an underdog story filled with all the best tropes; Thrilling combat, bitter betrayal, wrenching loss. The narrative is sharpened by Taylor who has a fantastic grasp of his craft - he seems to know exactly what events and aspects should be dwelled on and explored, and what should be moved past in haste. Taylor brings Pellew to life as a genuine character and tells his story with all the ups, downs, foreshadowing and closure of a good novel. As a result, Commander feels like it belongs in the Hornblower canon - There are lively characters whose personalities shine and interact, battles that as heart-racing as they are strategically engaged, and in the midst of it all a genuinely likeable, relatable, imperfect man working his way through shot, gale and betrayal.
And that's what I mean by perfect storm: Pellew's life has all the hallmarks of a good narrative, and the man is a genuine character. Reading Commander, I felt and fought along with Pellew as much as i ever did for Hornblower or Aubrey. This is not a dispassionate historical account but a genuine story, and it's easy to become engaged - to feel a well of pride as see an awkward young man overcome it all to win his first victory, and to curse at each setback as much or more than pellew himself must have been. In Pellew. Stephen Taylor has found exceptional clay - and he is a potter to match. Despite evocative and descriptive storytelling, Commander never forgets that it is a history book; It is well sourced, makes extensive use of excepts from letters and first-hand accounts, and is never afraid to admit when the truth is simply unclear or unknowable. Although it's clear that Taylor admires his subject, the admiration never gets in the way displaying the full Pellew - A man who, while unsurpassed at frigate combat, still floundered in discomfort when in command of a fleet. A men who loved his family and is children to such an extreme that he ignored their flaws, pulling strings to put them in commands well above their capability. A man who, despite brilliance and achievement, was plagued by both jealousy and self-doubt. It is these characteristics that reign the larger-than-life hero in and remind us that he was a real man with many of the same vices of all of us. Honest appraisal of these character flaws combined with Pellews motivations make him a genuine protagonist - a better one than in many books i've read - that is likeable and relatable, drawing us further into immersion. Weaved within the life of such an sympathetic character are shadowy plots, interpersonal conflicts and rivalries, thrilling sea battles, loves and losses, all on the backdrop of a near globe-spanning war. At it's heart,Commander is an adventure story. And a damned good one, at that.
September 16, 2012
Ein Glück, dass sich nach bald schon wieder einem Jahrhundert ein neuer Autor dieser faszinierenden Persönlichkeit angenommen hat.
Das einzige, was sich dieser Schreiber im Vergleich mit seinen Vorgängern vorwerfen lassen muss, ist, dass er ein wenig trockener schreibt. Was für eine Biografie allerdings kein Genickbruch ist. Zumal ich, wie in den anderen Reviews schon angedeutet, mich bei den Vorgängern durchaus oft gewundert hat, was der ein oder andere Paragraph überhaupt in einer Biografie verloren hat.
Trotzdem hätte ich auch gerne eine Papierausgabe der Parkinson-Bio im Regal stehen, unter anderem anderen, weil der Ton, in dem der Text verfasst ist, sich so köstlich liest. Das macht keine gute Biografie, aber ein gutes Buch. Zum anderen, weil bei Parkinson ein paar besonders schöne komplett (oder fast komplett) abgedruckt sind, die Taylor leider nur in Auszügen zitiert (leider auch den wunderschönen Brief, den Pellew als letzten gesucht an Spencer schickt, um nicht von seiner „dear Indy“ getrennt zu werden).
Ich vermisse auch ein paar andere Kleinigkeiten oder Ereignisse, besonders auffällig das erste Absetzen von royalistischen Truppen in Quiberon um 1795, die Taylor zumindest in soweit hätte erwähnen können, um Parkinson entweder zu verifizieren oder Pellews Teilnahme an der Unternehmung als Quatsch abzutun.
Herr Taylor setzt des Weiteren bei seinen Lesern etwas mehr Kontextwissen voraus als seine Vorgänger, vor allem, was wichtige Seeschlachten der Zeit angeht. Auch bei denen z. B. Hintergründen und Nachwehen der fehlgeschlagenen Invasion von Irland wurde im Vorgänger wesentlich mehr Raum gegeben, sowie den Kampagnen des amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskrieges bei denen Pellew zugegen war. Andererseits, heutzutage wird kaum jemand Interesse an einer Biografie über Pellew haben, dem Schlagwörter wie Trafalgar, Copenhagen und die Schlacht von Abukir nichts sagen. Taylor konzentriert sich tatsächlich nur auf sein Biografieobjekt, was allerdings definitiv nicht verkehrt ist.
Dafür geht Taylor bei einigen anderen sehr erfreulichen Dingen ins Detail, wie etwa Pellews Fürsorge für seine jungen Untergebenen. Wie Taylor selbst bemerkt, erkennt der Forester-Fan darin eindeutig die beeindruckende Vaterfigur, die sich der Autor für seinen fiktionalen Marinehelden ausgesucht hatte.
Dennoch kommt mir die Biografie einfach nicht lang genug vor. Hier und da mehr Details, noch eine kurze Anekdote mehr, ein weiterer Brief, oder einfach nur die zitierten Briefe vollständiger, dann würde ich von einer perfekten Biografie schreiben. So fand ich sie einfach nur sehr gut, aber nicht erschöpfend. Die nächste, bitte!
Das einzige, was sich dieser Schreiber im Vergleich mit seinen Vorgängern vorwerfen lassen muss, ist, dass er ein wenig trockener schreibt. Was für eine Biografie allerdings kein Genickbruch ist. Zumal ich, wie in den anderen Reviews schon angedeutet, mich bei den Vorgängern durchaus oft gewundert hat, was der ein oder andere Paragraph überhaupt in einer Biografie verloren hat.
Trotzdem hätte ich auch gerne eine Papierausgabe der Parkinson-Bio im Regal stehen, unter anderem anderen, weil der Ton, in dem der Text verfasst ist, sich so köstlich liest. Das macht keine gute Biografie, aber ein gutes Buch. Zum anderen, weil bei Parkinson ein paar besonders schöne komplett (oder fast komplett) abgedruckt sind, die Taylor leider nur in Auszügen zitiert (leider auch den wunderschönen Brief, den Pellew als letzten gesucht an Spencer schickt, um nicht von seiner „dear Indy“ getrennt zu werden).
Ich vermisse auch ein paar andere Kleinigkeiten oder Ereignisse, besonders auffällig das erste Absetzen von royalistischen Truppen in Quiberon um 1795, die Taylor zumindest in soweit hätte erwähnen können, um Parkinson entweder zu verifizieren oder Pellews Teilnahme an der Unternehmung als Quatsch abzutun.
Herr Taylor setzt des Weiteren bei seinen Lesern etwas mehr Kontextwissen voraus als seine Vorgänger, vor allem, was wichtige Seeschlachten der Zeit angeht. Auch bei denen z. B. Hintergründen und Nachwehen der fehlgeschlagenen Invasion von Irland wurde im Vorgänger wesentlich mehr Raum gegeben, sowie den Kampagnen des amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitskrieges bei denen Pellew zugegen war. Andererseits, heutzutage wird kaum jemand Interesse an einer Biografie über Pellew haben, dem Schlagwörter wie Trafalgar, Copenhagen und die Schlacht von Abukir nichts sagen. Taylor konzentriert sich tatsächlich nur auf sein Biografieobjekt, was allerdings definitiv nicht verkehrt ist.
Dafür geht Taylor bei einigen anderen sehr erfreulichen Dingen ins Detail, wie etwa Pellews Fürsorge für seine jungen Untergebenen. Wie Taylor selbst bemerkt, erkennt der Forester-Fan darin eindeutig die beeindruckende Vaterfigur, die sich der Autor für seinen fiktionalen Marinehelden ausgesucht hatte.
Dennoch kommt mir die Biografie einfach nicht lang genug vor. Hier und da mehr Details, noch eine kurze Anekdote mehr, ein weiterer Brief, oder einfach nur die zitierten Briefe vollständiger, dann würde ich von einer perfekten Biografie schreiben. So fand ich sie einfach nur sehr gut, aber nicht erschöpfend. Die nächste, bitte!
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