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McGann Saga #1
Old Glory
1769.
Young Harry McGann is forced to flee Ireland for the unknown shores of America. On that voyage he meets Elizabeth Bartlett, who seems as far beyond his reach as the stars which guide him across the Atlantic.
Through the years that follow, Harry finds himself involved in the formation of the American Navy. It is a world of intrigue, violence and untold dangers at sea.
But always the memory of Elizabeth is there … and their paths are destined to cross again and again.
‘Old Glory’ is a tale of blistering naval battles and wild romance on the high seas. It is the first book in The McGann saga.
Young Harry McGann is forced to flee Ireland for the unknown shores of America. On that voyage he meets Elizabeth Bartlett, who seems as far beyond his reach as the stars which guide him across the Atlantic.
Through the years that follow, Harry finds himself involved in the formation of the American Navy. It is a world of intrigue, violence and untold dangers at sea.
But always the memory of Elizabeth is there … and their paths are destined to cross again and again.
‘Old Glory’ is a tale of blistering naval battles and wild romance on the high seas. It is the first book in The McGann saga.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1986
723 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Nicole
219 books58 followersChristopher Robin Nicole was born on 7 December 1930 in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), where he was raised. He is the son of Jean Dorothy (Logan) and Jack Nicole, a police officer, both Scottish. He studied at Queen's College in Guyana and at Harrison College in Barbados. He was a fellow at the Canadian Bankers Association and a clerk for the Royal Bank of Canada in Georgetown and Nassau from 1947 to 1956. In 1957, he moved to Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom, where he currently lives, but he also has a domicile in Spain.
On 31 March 1951, he married his first wife, Jean Regina Amelia Barnett, with whom he had two sons, Bruce and Jack, and two daughters, Julie and Ursula, they divorced. On 8 May 1982 he married for the second time with fellow writer Diana Bachmann.
As a romantic and passionate of history, Nicole has been published since 1957, when he published a book about West Indian Cricket. He published his first novel in 1959 with his first stories set in his native Caribbean. Later he wrote many historical novels set mostly in tumultuous periods like World War I, World War II and the Cold War, and depict places in Europe, Asia and Africa. He also wrote classic romance novels. He specialized in Series and Sagas, and continues to write into the 21st century with no intention of retiring.
He signs his books as Christopher Nicole and uses several pseudonyms, some of them female. Pseudonyms used include: Peter Grange, Andrew York, Robin Cade, Mark Logan, Christina Nicholson, Alison York, Leslie Arlen, Robin Nicholson, C. R. Nicholson, Daniel Adams, Simon McKay, Caroline Gray and Alan Savage. He wrote disaster thrillers in collaboration with his wife, Diana Bachmann, under the penname Max Marlow. Under his different pseudonyms he has worked with many publishing houses: Jarrolds, Hutchinson, Simon & Schuster, Coward-McCann & Geoghegan, Jove, Michael Joseph, Mills & Boon, and Severn House.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christop... and
http://openlibrary.org/authors/OL1009...
On 31 March 1951, he married his first wife, Jean Regina Amelia Barnett, with whom he had two sons, Bruce and Jack, and two daughters, Julie and Ursula, they divorced. On 8 May 1982 he married for the second time with fellow writer Diana Bachmann.
As a romantic and passionate of history, Nicole has been published since 1957, when he published a book about West Indian Cricket. He published his first novel in 1959 with his first stories set in his native Caribbean. Later he wrote many historical novels set mostly in tumultuous periods like World War I, World War II and the Cold War, and depict places in Europe, Asia and Africa. He also wrote classic romance novels. He specialized in Series and Sagas, and continues to write into the 21st century with no intention of retiring.
He signs his books as Christopher Nicole and uses several pseudonyms, some of them female. Pseudonyms used include: Peter Grange, Andrew York, Robin Cade, Mark Logan, Christina Nicholson, Alison York, Leslie Arlen, Robin Nicholson, C. R. Nicholson, Daniel Adams, Simon McKay, Caroline Gray and Alan Savage. He wrote disaster thrillers in collaboration with his wife, Diana Bachmann, under the penname Max Marlow. Under his different pseudonyms he has worked with many publishing houses: Jarrolds, Hutchinson, Simon & Schuster, Coward-McCann & Geoghegan, Jove, Michael Joseph, Mills & Boon, and Severn House.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christop... and
http://openlibrary.org/authors/OL1009...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 23, 2020
Excellent historic fiction.
In 1769, Harry McGann’s life changes when he meets Elizabeth. Before meeting her, he was set about what he was to do in his life. But after meeting her, he is on the run from the law.
The story had an authentic feel to it and I particularly loved the way the characters were etched and their interactions. Enjoyable read.
In 1769, Harry McGann’s life changes when he meets Elizabeth. Before meeting her, he was set about what he was to do in his life. But after meeting her, he is on the run from the law.
The story had an authentic feel to it and I particularly loved the way the characters were etched and their interactions. Enjoyable read.
September 12, 2024
I enjoy the books of Douglas Reeman/Alexander Kent, C S Forester and Patrick O'Brian. I was excited to read a new author. I bought the whole collection. The opening did not disappoint. The author has created a larger-than-life character in Harry McGann.The nautical detail was impressive as was the pace of the action. I read the book very quickly as the hero lurched from one crisis to another. I confess that the romantic scenes were less assuredly written and I found that they did not enhance the story.
There was one technical issue that spoiled my reading a little. Some of the speech was not separated with the use of a new paragraph. I can't believe the editors at Lume or the author themselves would have let them slip through. I can only imagine that the new team at Joffe, when compiling the collection made a mistake. It was not a problem when the speaker was identified but when they were not you had to reread to work out who was speaking and that slowed the pace.
I started book 2 immediately. It is a new character who is the protagonist, Harry's son, Toby.
There was one technical issue that spoiled my reading a little. Some of the speech was not separated with the use of a new paragraph. I can't believe the editors at Lume or the author themselves would have let them slip through. I can only imagine that the new team at Joffe, when compiling the collection made a mistake. It was not a problem when the speaker was identified but when they were not you had to reread to work out who was speaking and that slowed the pace.
I started book 2 immediately. It is a new character who is the protagonist, Harry's son, Toby.
December 9, 2016
This is a rollicking historical fiction adventure.
Harry McGann's life was all set. He was a seaman and his family ran a successful business in their little Irish town. He's betrothed to be married to the young woman he loves. At 19, Harry is a big man. He towers over everyone at 6 foot 4 inches tall. He has no lack of female admirers.
One day Harry encounters an English woman, Elizabeth Bartlett. Elizabeth is the most beautiful woman he's ever met. Troubles ensues and Harry's life is in turmoil as he embarks to sail to America to avoid the law....
I found this to be a fun read with a mixture of adventure, historical intrigue and a love story. Some parts are kind of predictable and seems to follow the formula of other books of this sort. The characters makes the story come alive though in spite of some minor flaws. The story drags a little toward the end but doesn't last for long.
A very enjoyable and entertaining read!
Harry McGann's life was all set. He was a seaman and his family ran a successful business in their little Irish town. He's betrothed to be married to the young woman he loves. At 19, Harry is a big man. He towers over everyone at 6 foot 4 inches tall. He has no lack of female admirers.
One day Harry encounters an English woman, Elizabeth Bartlett. Elizabeth is the most beautiful woman he's ever met. Troubles ensues and Harry's life is in turmoil as he embarks to sail to America to avoid the law....
I found this to be a fun read with a mixture of adventure, historical intrigue and a love story. Some parts are kind of predictable and seems to follow the formula of other books of this sort. The characters makes the story come alive though in spite of some minor flaws. The story drags a little toward the end but doesn't last for long.
A very enjoyable and entertaining read!
July 28, 2020
Too predictable. Barely got into it. Nixed.
March 8, 2021
4 and 1/2 Stars - Irish Hero and the Forming of the Young American Navy and Love Amidst War
This is the first book in The McGann saga. The story begins in 1769 when young Harry McGann, an excellent seaman engaging in smuggling along with his village, gets into a fight with the squire’s son (a very arrogant young man) while trying to save the man’s daughter from a fall. Harry is told to get out of town for a while and he goes to sea, bound for New York. That was a terrible experience but just before he left, he met Elizabeth Bartlett, the daughter of a wealthy New York merchant. He vows to return, well dressed and with coin in his pocket.
No matter his good intentions, Harry is forever involved in fights with despicable men. He even experiences treachery from his fellow sailors whose allegiances change quickly. But in all he encounters, he comes to love America. And, once Harry he hooks up with John Paul Jones, he becomes involved in the formation of the American Navy. But he never forgets Elizabeth.
It’s an engaging tale well told (though the wealth of typos need to be corrected) with some exciting battles at sea. Harry is a flawed but loveable hero and Elizabeth, though constant in her affection for him, also makes some bad decisions. Still, all comes right in the end and we are given a glimpse of America’s early naval ventures.
This is historical romance at its roughest.
This is the first book in The McGann saga. The story begins in 1769 when young Harry McGann, an excellent seaman engaging in smuggling along with his village, gets into a fight with the squire’s son (a very arrogant young man) while trying to save the man’s daughter from a fall. Harry is told to get out of town for a while and he goes to sea, bound for New York. That was a terrible experience but just before he left, he met Elizabeth Bartlett, the daughter of a wealthy New York merchant. He vows to return, well dressed and with coin in his pocket.
No matter his good intentions, Harry is forever involved in fights with despicable men. He even experiences treachery from his fellow sailors whose allegiances change quickly. But in all he encounters, he comes to love America. And, once Harry he hooks up with John Paul Jones, he becomes involved in the formation of the American Navy. But he never forgets Elizabeth.
It’s an engaging tale well told (though the wealth of typos need to be corrected) with some exciting battles at sea. Harry is a flawed but loveable hero and Elizabeth, though constant in her affection for him, also makes some bad decisions. Still, all comes right in the end and we are given a glimpse of America’s early naval ventures.
This is historical romance at its roughest.
August 8, 2020
Harry McGann is a big, 6 foot-4inch, Irishman with a nose for trouble. When he saves the local squire's daughter and her friend from possible drowning, he incurs the wrath of the squire's son. Things go downhill from there, and Harry ends up in America just as the American Revolution is starting to heat up. He teams up with none other than John Paul Jones for series of adventures that play a pivotal role in the future of the United States. Interesting story, as Harry is written off as dead more than once, only to reappear.
August 18, 2020
Not as stirring or as playful as Dewey Lambdin's Alan Lewrie series, but good to read. The hero, a giant Irishman, possessed of great courage and superhuman strength, befriends a number of historical characters, and carries on a book-long courtship of "the most beautiful woman" that ends happily ...what more could the reader want? This book seems to be admirably self-contained, but there are apparently five more books in the McGann saga. Unlike most of the other nauti=cal series I have enjoyed, I have difficulty seeing where our crippled and happily settled hero could do next, but I guess I'm willing to try one more...
October 29, 2020
Probably a one star
I have it a two star, but only because of the books name. It was more an exotic sexual novel, and sullied the names of two of America's heros, Benjamin Franklin and John Paul Jones.
I have it a two star, but only because of the books name. It was more an exotic sexual novel, and sullied the names of two of America's heros, Benjamin Franklin and John Paul Jones.
January 17, 2020
Irish man helps Washington
Well I keep reading this authors books and can say they are worth reading if the other books in this series as good then I will be pleased.
Well I keep reading this authors books and can say they are worth reading if the other books in this series as good then I will be pleased.
August 6, 2020
Glory Days
This seafaring tale tells the story of Fighting Harry McCann! You will meet John Paul, war plan with George Washington and Ben Franklin.
This seafaring tale tells the story of Fighting Harry McCann! You will meet John Paul, war plan with George Washington and Ben Franklin.
Read
December 15, 2020Got a quarter way through, wasn't interested.
December 30, 2019
A very well written story
The trials and tribulations of a poor Irish lad who only sought to do good. Well developed characters both historic and fictional woven into a believable plot line. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Well worth your time.
The trials and tribulations of a poor Irish lad who only sought to do good. Well developed characters both historic and fictional woven into a believable plot line. I enjoyed reading this book very much. Well worth your time.
September 3, 2020
I'm still not sure why I read the whole book. Maybe its the same reason people stop and stare at accidents on the road.
The book is pretty well written and the action parts are fun but that is about all the can be said to the positive. The balance of the book is pretty much a simple formula: good thing happens, bad thing happens. The story becomes predicable and boring.
The next problem is that the main character is completely unbelievable. He is introduced to us as a person who is not well educated and has only read a single book other than the bible. Despite this he speaks knowledgably about literature and history. While he is a physical giant among men, a couple of his feats are just simply impossible for a human and belong in a super hero novel.
The biggest problem for me is the historical aspect of the novel. Reading historical fiction, literary license needs to be allowed for. This author goes too far. The main character is all over the world and seems to meet every person in the revolutionary government and France. He is given too much authority for his rank. However, the biggest problem comes from the name of book, "Old Glory", which almost every American is fighting and regularly hails or swears oaths to. The problem here is that while the book takes place from 1765 - 1794, the nickname of Old Glory was not coined until until more than 30 years after the story ends.
The book is pretty well written and the action parts are fun but that is about all the can be said to the positive. The balance of the book is pretty much a simple formula: good thing happens, bad thing happens. The story becomes predicable and boring.
The next problem is that the main character is completely unbelievable. He is introduced to us as a person who is not well educated and has only read a single book other than the bible. Despite this he speaks knowledgably about literature and history. While he is a physical giant among men, a couple of his feats are just simply impossible for a human and belong in a super hero novel.
The biggest problem for me is the historical aspect of the novel. Reading historical fiction, literary license needs to be allowed for. This author goes too far. The main character is all over the world and seems to meet every person in the revolutionary government and France. He is given too much authority for his rank. However, the biggest problem comes from the name of book, "Old Glory", which almost every American is fighting and regularly hails or swears oaths to. The problem here is that while the book takes place from 1765 - 1794, the nickname of Old Glory was not coined until until more than 30 years after the story ends.
February 6, 2022
This historical fiction follows closely the actual events of the creation of the first navy for the United States of America. There is a lot of high-spirited naval action and adventure, including piracy in this story. The fictional hero is Harry McGann, an Irishmen who winds up in the American Colonies after being impressed into the British Royal Navy. He escapes that naval service and ends up in America and meets John Paul Jones, the father of the U.S. Navy. Harry is befriended by Jones and joins with him as a privateer and later in the service of the American Colonies as they seek their independence from Britain. Interwoven in the adventure is a love that is lost and due to their being on different sides of the American Revolution, difficult to reignite. While at times it is improbable that this fictional character could meet and have dealings with John Paul Jones, George Washington and Ben Franklin, it does not diminish the overall adventure. What does diminish the adventure is when background information about people and events in the American Revolution take time to explain so the story can move to the next challenge for Harry McGann.
August 2, 2020
I enjoy the history of our country. I love our country. The bravery of the men and women who felt compelled to fight the battles that won the war to our freedom from British rule is spellbinding. While this story takes come license with the characters, the essential viewpoint is there.
In the beginning, it takes a bit to get who all the basic players are in the story...but as the tale weaves onward, it's a nicely written story. I enjoyed it enormously. I loved the inclusion of Benjamin Franklin as guider to Captain McGann. This might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is mine. I loved the sea battles and the surprising duel with its rules. Captain McGann's road to happiness was long and tortuous and he lost a great deal along the way.
I loved the author's eye for details. Well done Mr. Nicole.
In the beginning, it takes a bit to get who all the basic players are in the story...but as the tale weaves onward, it's a nicely written story. I enjoyed it enormously. I loved the inclusion of Benjamin Franklin as guider to Captain McGann. This might not be everybody's cup of tea, but it is mine. I loved the sea battles and the surprising duel with its rules. Captain McGann's road to happiness was long and tortuous and he lost a great deal along the way.
I loved the author's eye for details. Well done Mr. Nicole.
November 20, 2024
Harry McGann saves a damsel in distress, insults the son of the local Squire, enlists on a trading ship to avoid the Squire's revenge, gets lashed, imprisoned for mutiny, escapes, meets John Paul Jones, goes off on his boat, gets impressed by the Royal Navy, lashed again, keel hauled, escapes, lives for 12 months in a native village, and so on. And this is only the start of his adventures.
John Paul Jones didn't fare well in this book as Harry seemed to be the real hero. Between adventures Harry runs around seeking to be reunited with the damsel in distress he rescued early in the story.
I'll persist with this series for a while longer.
John Paul Jones didn't fare well in this book as Harry seemed to be the real hero. Between adventures Harry runs around seeking to be reunited with the damsel in distress he rescued early in the story.
I'll persist with this series for a while longer.
July 31, 2020
A children’s hero story written for grown ups
A story told in such a great manor that it keeps your attention to the very end. It combines human emotions with historical facts leaving the reader cheering for the good guys even through they are not in the right all the time. Also showed me that some of our American hero’s were human after all and suffered from human faults also. Would advise this book to any one interested in American revolution history’s over the age of 18 , not for the younger set .
A story told in such a great manor that it keeps your attention to the very end. It combines human emotions with historical facts leaving the reader cheering for the good guys even through they are not in the right all the time. Also showed me that some of our American hero’s were human after all and suffered from human faults also. Would advise this book to any one interested in American revolution history’s over the age of 18 , not for the younger set .
July 28, 2020
If you enjoy history, adventure & are even a little of a romantic this is a book for you.
I have always loved historical fiction. I would never have believed myself interested in romance. Thankfully, this marvelous story keeps the romance only a small but worthy part of a great adventure. It is the navel side of the revolution & the independence of the United States of America. In this page turner, you cannot help but enjoy a unique look at the making of America.
I have always loved historical fiction. I would never have believed myself interested in romance. Thankfully, this marvelous story keeps the romance only a small but worthy part of a great adventure. It is the navel side of the revolution & the independence of the United States of America. In this page turner, you cannot help but enjoy a unique look at the making of America.
September 16, 2020
Very hard read
started out interesting, but that was short lived, - our hero was portrayed as a giant of a man -- (ahh sorry 6' 4" is hardly a giant!) - with super man strength but many of feats he supposedly accomplished were, I thought, a little far fetched.
There likely was some historical characters that he encountered, but the 100 word sentences did me in. I struggled to 50% on my kindle and fast forwarded to the end.
will not be reading another volume in this series.
started out interesting, but that was short lived, - our hero was portrayed as a giant of a man -- (ahh sorry 6' 4" is hardly a giant!) - with super man strength but many of feats he supposedly accomplished were, I thought, a little far fetched.
There likely was some historical characters that he encountered, but the 100 word sentences did me in. I struggled to 50% on my kindle and fast forwarded to the end.
will not be reading another volume in this series.
Read
July 27, 2020Definitely a Nail-Biting Page-Turner!
One of the most enjoyable early sea faring stories ever written, blending historical facts with creative action and prejudices of the 1700s! Loaded with realistic, believable action and romance, this tale will make it difficult to put the book down!
One of the most enjoyable early sea faring stories ever written, blending historical facts with creative action and prejudices of the 1700s! Loaded with realistic, believable action and romance, this tale will make it difficult to put the book down!
July 28, 2020
This is a really good novel set in the American Revolution of 1776-1783. I found it educational indeed, as some characters that played key roles in the War populate the narrative, and the telling of the tale makes for gripping, edge of one’s seat reading. Terribly spoiled by a despicable lack of editing.
September 1, 2020
Great 18th Century Sea Book!
Believable characters. Wonderful history lesson. You captured the adventure and drama of life at sea with the the technology then available. I’ve over a hundred sea books, and I rate this among the best. I’ll look for more of the books you have written.
Believable characters. Wonderful history lesson. You captured the adventure and drama of life at sea with the the technology then available. I’ve over a hundred sea books, and I rate this among the best. I’ll look for more of the books you have written.
September 18, 2020
A good action and adventure
If you like action and adventure on the high seas this book has plenty. With a little romance thrown in. The time is the American Revolution and many of the important people in our history move through this story. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys good historical fiction, and action/adventure.
If you like action and adventure on the high seas this book has plenty. With a little romance thrown in. The time is the American Revolution and many of the important people in our history move through this story. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys good historical fiction, and action/adventure.
December 18, 2023
Excellent novel based on historical facts with a handful of historical figures woven together to produce a work of fiction, not easy but achieved remarkably well here . First in what I Assume is a family saga , Thoroughly enjoyed this one so am looking forward to the remaining 5 . Highly recommended a compelling and interesting read.
March 25, 2017
Fine Story
A reasonably accurate if sometimes corny view of some of the few high points of the Colonial navy's actions. While the hero's character is literally huge and psychologically dramatic, his story is fun to read.
A reasonably accurate if sometimes corny view of some of the few high points of the Colonial navy's actions. While the hero's character is literally huge and psychologically dramatic, his story is fun to read.
July 24, 2020
History in the making
Absolutely loved the information of the beginning of our is naby. I have a son who served 20 years in the navy so this was so interesting.thank you for honoring our country
Absolutely loved the information of the beginning of our is naby. I have a son who served 20 years in the navy so this was so interesting.thank you for honoring our country
July 25, 2020
A good seafaring story.
This is the second time I have read this story and yet again I have been totally absorbed in the myriad of set backs ascribed to one character. I will dig out my hard copy books to read again Mr McGann's exploits.
This is the second time I have read this story and yet again I have been totally absorbed in the myriad of set backs ascribed to one character. I will dig out my hard copy books to read again Mr McGann's exploits.
July 29, 2020
Good Historical book
I enjoyed this story as I am a career Navy widow and we always read of different battles. I saw a documentary on John Paul Jones once. Both our families have descended from Ireland and England.
I enjoyed this story as I am a career Navy widow and we always read of different battles. I saw a documentary on John Paul Jones once. Both our families have descended from Ireland and England.
August 7, 2020
Words about Old Glord
I don’t usually like this kind of books,but I really enjoyed this one. It held my interest thru out. I recommended it to my husband. I know he will like it.
I don’t usually like this kind of books,but I really enjoyed this one. It held my interest thru out. I recommended it to my husband. I know he will like it.
August 9, 2020
Fabulous historical story!
I always enjoy tales of the navy and this was absolutely wonderful. I presume Harry McCann is a fictional creation but an altogether excellent and almost believable character.
I always enjoy tales of the navy and this was absolutely wonderful. I presume Harry McCann is a fictional creation but an altogether excellent and almost believable character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews