Fortune's Favorite: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line

by Christopher J. Valin

When you think of the great heroes of the 18th Century Royal Navy, you would probably think of Horatio Nelson, possibly Sir Sidney Smith; but would the name Sir Charles Douglas spring to mind? If it doesn't-it should. Sir Charles Douglas played a pivotal role in many of the most important events of the late eighteenth century, and yet his name appears only in short passages and footnotes of works on naval history and the American Revolution. In Fortune's Favorite: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line, the Royal Navy captain finally receives the attention he deserves for his part in the Relief of Quebec, the Battle of Valcour Island, his naval gunnery innovations, and the Battle of the Saints, including his contribution to the "breaking of the line" maneuver, which has been a subject of controversy for nearly two centuries. Written by an American descendent of Sir Charles, Fortune's Favorite is the definitive work on this most extraordinary man.

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Christopher J. Valin is a writer, artist, teacher and historian living in the Los Angeles area with his wife and two children. He has written stories of all kinds since childhood, including novels, short stories, comic books, and screenplays. In 2009, his biography of his 5x great-grandfather, Fortune’s Favorite: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line, was published by Fireship Press. In addition to writing and inking for independent comic book companies and writing screenplays for production companies, Christopher has had numerous short stories published in anthologies such as Beyond the Stars: At Galaxy's Edge, Clockwork & Capes: Superheroes in the Age of Steam and Alt. Chronicles: Legacy Fleet.

Reviews

[Alaric · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Fortune's Favorite Christopher Valin puts forward a balanced and convincing case for greater recognition to be attributed to Sir Charles Douglas, both for his action at the Battle of the Saints, and as the instigator of many refinements to naval gunnery; improvements that certainly gave the British an edge in future conflicts.

Douglas come across as an interesting character; certainly as complex as any found in fiction. He spoke six languages, was married three times, lost the use of his left arm relatively early in his career, spent a good deal of time serving in the Dutch Navy, and was partially responsible for reorganising the Russian Navy for Catherine the Great. He also influenced the lives of several notable naval officers who grew to prominence on his interest.

Fortune's Favorite sheds new light on an old controversy, and gives a previously little known figure of the period deserved acknowledgement. An extensive bibliography, seven appendices, and numerous foot notes make this a useful addition to any nautical library.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is at historicnavalfiction.com