Guernseyman: A Richard Delancey Novel

Richard Delancey #1

by C. Northcote Parkinson

This book recounts the earliest adventures of Parkinson's hero, Richard Delancey. Ranked as a midshipman, when the events of the American Revolution and the ongoing hostilities between France and England send him across the sea, Delancey finds himself instrumental in defending the Isle of Jersey, and later, the Rock of Gibraltar.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Nautical, War

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Cyril Northcote Parkinson was a naval historian and author of some sixty books. He was educated at Cambridge, and went on to teach in Malaya, and in the United States at Harvard and in Illinois.

He was an important scholar in the field of public administration.

His most famous work is Parkinson’s Law, or The Pursuit of Progress.

Reviews

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical novel that follows the fictional character Richard Delancey from Guernsey who starting out as clerk, manages to work his way into the British Navy, and participates in several military actions during the era of the American Revolution. In the early part of the war he is stationed in the New York area where he becomes involved with social events among the loyalists. He then participates in the beginning of the siege of Charleston, South Carolina in 1780. After that he is involved in an operation during Benedict Arnold's desertion.

Then he crosses back to England where he ends up being involved in the defense of Jersey Island against an attempted French invasion in 1781. Next he participates in an operation to provide relief to Gibraltar that was under siege and participates in the final battle that effectively ended the siege in 1783.

This book provides a British perspective of the American Revolutionary War. It portrays some details of some of the lesser known battles of that era. There is considerable detail added regarding British command protocol including related problems caused by issuing commands from the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean. There are descriptions of the operation, maintenance, and repair required to keep sailing ships in working order which seemed to me to indicate that the author has performed adequate research.

The book's narrative concentrates on action and activities with minimal character development. Nevertheless it's an interesting way to learn about some historical events of that time. Richard works his way up to the rank of lieutenant by the end of the book. There are six books in this series of which this is the first. I suppose our protagonist will probably end up as captain by the end of the series.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rises from the sea of Napoleonic war British naval fiction. The protagonist is at once more human and more likable than the likes of Horatio Hornblower or even Jack Aubrey. The writing focuses more on his inner life as well. Parkinson’s skillful plotting places his hero at the scene of numerous real historical events.

Of particular note to American readers of this volume may be Parkinson’s examination of how the American Revolution looked from the British and Loyalist points of view, and how their side was troubled with almost insurmountable command and logistics issues.

If the author’s name sounds familiar it should: he is the author of the famous Parkinson’s Law that work expands to fill the time allotted to it.

[Jon Hollihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining. Richard Delancey seeks his place in the world at a volatile time. From England to America, then Guernsey & Gibraltar our hero has the good fortune and commonsense to make good choices & solid decisions that advance his name & career. Richard's observations of other's quality of character and reserved & calm demeanor towards success & failures are recorded like a diary, also remarking on his acquaintances & extended family. The author does a good job of describing the environment, while keeping us moving along with Delancey at a quick pace.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful detail

This book is full of the detail and action the one would expect from a great historical novel. Sometimes perhaps a bit too detailed with too much information about various things. Still a great read and I encourage you to pick this one up

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting military tale

I had expected more sea going, swashbuckling activities. It proved to be interesting in other areas that were very enjoyable

[Allyn Voorhees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adventure story that follows a young man attempting to succeed at starting a career on the Sea. The main character is bright and ambitious but has a realistic view of his prospects and abilities.

Good introduction to a series, not as engaging as Dudley Popes Ramage (the first in HIS series) but worthwhile nonetheless.

[Dave Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Reading

Excellently written with plenty of action. Character development is straightforward and logical growth set against a historical perspective of being where the action is occurring.

[Stuart]

While not as evocative as O’Brian or Forester, this was an authentic narrative. I’m booking forward to reading the others in the series.

[Studebhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Start to a Series

This book is a good start to this series that I look forward reading with pleasure. We start with the set up. The background on our hero and the setting, the time and place in which this series will occur all provide the foundation on which the author builds narrative with which to carry this series forward.
Notable here is the author’s knowledge of nautical history during the era of sailing ships at war. At times the author is a little overwhelming. With my very basic understanding of the points of sail, I had several instances where I struggled with some of the naval terminology in the story. None of this takes away from the central point.

The Guernseyman is a great read, a sailing adventure that you can you enjoy right from your armchair.

[Bob Cantrell]

A good start

This is a good start to what I hope will be a new series of naval novels. Now when I started this book it was with a bit of a twist in that the protagonist is a young man, who is not sure of his future by the end of the story he has found his future in the navy. There was a small patch that was a bit slow toward the middle of the book, but that quickly changed for the better. I have to say this was a good start to a new series for me. For others you have to like the works of O'Brian, Lambdin, and Pope to give this one a try.

[Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just read the Delancey novels and rank them with those by Kent, Stockwin, Pope, and Lambdin. Usually I like best the one I am currently reading. Parkinson was a historian so the history is probably accurate. He made observations on organizations and management and we see this in the organization of ships company and development and promotion of subordinates. All this and a first class action adventure.

[William Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written period piece regarding the young man joins the British Navy around the time of the American Revolution and ends up in New York City and several other ports in America. The book has more to do with the relationships between the Americans and the British as they try to understand each other than a book about naval warfare in the 1780s. In particular, the pictures he paints of colonial New York City are quite interesting.

[Travis L. Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the rest of the series. Shades of Alexander Kent and Patrick O'Brian in its authenticity. Unique character study that promises growth in stature. I don't know how I missed this series years ago. But it should promise good reading ahead.

[Peter Lento · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delancy is a good companion to Hornblower

Parkinson created a character in the spirit of Forrester's series and has done it well. Set a few years earlier than Hornblower, Delancy has all the tactical and strategic planning skills but is a much more engaging character. Worth reading from both a historical and a literary standpoint as well as being fun.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't help but like young Delauncey. The author does a nice job of portraying his personal and professional growth, but I thought the story a little slow. The seafaring language was certainly specific, but other scenes were less articulate. All in all, a pleasant read that doesn't require much of the reader.

[Eunice Korczak · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Guernseyman

The Guernseyman by C. Northcote Parkinson is fairly interesting look at the British side of the conflict and fighting with the colonies, the French, and the Spanish. The story of the Guernseyman is secondary and not exciting or even very interesting due to its manner of telling.

[kenneth h. robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Storytelling

With lots of details and description, the protagonist and the plot are laid out for the reader of a young man from Guernsey in the British navy during the American Revolution.

[Richard A Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

F

A well written tale not oh of a pivotal time in history,but also shows great depth of knowledge of both salesmanship and warfare at the turn of the 18th entry. I would highly recommend this as a must read for a history buf

[Paul McComas 3rd. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very Good read for A history buff.

It is a good change of pace to read about the British side of the Revolutionary war, because, it helps to give the reader a more broad account, of all the sides, of history. It adds to our basic knowledge of how we got to were we are today

[Tom King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parkinson takes you there

Parkinson draws on deep knowledge of ships and customs of the era. His characters are not as compelling as Forester's or Sabatini's, but the book will help you get your swashbuckling fix and that's something.

[Elmira · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got to 71%. Not a bad book. Just didn't grab me.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice start to a new series for me about the British navy.

[Keith Doerksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both interesting and informative. Enjoyed learning new nautical terminology and some olde English as well!

[Bob Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific Naval yarn. Well written, with impeccable historical accuracy.

[Larry York · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

[Michael Plas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got about 70% through the book, but I could not bring myself to finish it. The story jumps too much. It begins with Richard Delancey as a boy, and pretty soon he's a young man. It jumps around through various episodes, introducing various characters; none of them make an impact. Instead of showing Richard learning how to be an officer, it just says that he did. Instead of showing how he was tormented by the junior officers, it says that he is. It's hard to get to know Delancey because so much of his life is skipped.