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Hornblower Saga: Chronological Order #1-3 omnibus
The Young Hornblower Omnibus: Mr Midshipman Hornblower, Lieutenant Hornblower and Hornblower and the Hotspur
The young Hornblower - A truly formidable force in His Majesty's service
The seventeen-year-old Hornblower became notorious as soon as he stepped on board ship - as the midshipman who was seasick in Spithead. But he was soon to gain his sea legs.
Amid battle, action and adventure he proves himself time and time again - courageous in danger, resourceful in moments of difficulty and decisive in times of trouble. The reader stands right beside him as he prepares to fight his first duel, feels the heat as he battles to control a blazing ship and shares his horror as he experiences for the first time the panic of the Plague.
C.S. Forester's classic Hornblower books are now lavishly adapted for the screen in a major new ITV series.
This omnibus edition contains: Mr Midshipman Hornblower, Lieutenant Hornblower and Hornblower and the 'Hotspur'.
The seventeen-year-old Hornblower became notorious as soon as he stepped on board ship - as the midshipman who was seasick in Spithead. But he was soon to gain his sea legs.
Amid battle, action and adventure he proves himself time and time again - courageous in danger, resourceful in moments of difficulty and decisive in times of trouble. The reader stands right beside him as he prepares to fight his first duel, feels the heat as he battles to control a blazing ship and shares his horror as he experiences for the first time the panic of the Plague.
C.S. Forester's classic Hornblower books are now lavishly adapted for the screen in a major new ITV series.
This omnibus edition contains: Mr Midshipman Hornblower, Lieutenant Hornblower and Hornblower and the 'Hotspur'.
633 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
215 people are currently reading
487 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 53 reviews
October 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I watched Ioan Gruffudd in Forever and when that got canceled I got into watching the Hornblower series. After watching a few episodes, I decided to read the books and here I am. The first three books chronologically, Mr Midshipman Hornblower, Lieutenant Hornblower and Hornblower and the Hotspur are actually prequels to those written first. Having now read the next three in the series, I am unsure as to whether the character of young Hornblower is actually true to the older version. I like him. He's young, idealistic, honourable; but quick-thinking, tactically brilliant and brave. He has a soft spot in him that can't abide the thought of people being flogged, but the streak of iron that sees the occasional need for it to ensure the smooth running of the ship. His loyalty is first and foremost to his duty as a member of the Royal Navy, and everything else is secondary.
The most unsettling part of reading these three books in quick succession is that the second is vastly different in perspective to the others. Lieutenant Hornblower is written from the perspective of Lieutenant Bush, who is senior to Hornblower by a matter of months and has just joined him aboard the Renown. Because of this perspective, the reader is left in the disconcerting position of not actually knowing what Hornblower does and doesn't know. What he did and didn't do. It makes you doubt Hornblower's character, which is hard to take, knowing that he is equally capable of being submissive when required and brutal when necessary. Needless to say, it was a relief to get back to the familiar format of being party to all of Hornblower's thoughts and actions.
Some people don't like the sheer volume of self -reflection that Hornblower indulges in, but I really found it interesting and perhaps a bit more realistic than the "I'm a hero, I don't have doubts or second thoughts or regrets". I truly felt that this style of writing helped me to embrace the character more fully - to feel like I was really getting to know that man he is, rather than just skimming over the surface of the things he does.
I haven't really been inspired to write a review like this for a while, which really just emphasises how much I enjoyed this introduction to the character of Horatio Hornblower.
I'll also add that the descriptions of the sailing ships and all that is required to keep them going is just amazing and really pulls you in to the story as well.
If you're not convinced, I recommend that you watch the first two episodes of the series, so that when you read, you have Ioan Gruffudd and all his handsome yummy - accented glory in mind when you picture Hornblower. :-)
The most unsettling part of reading these three books in quick succession is that the second is vastly different in perspective to the others. Lieutenant Hornblower is written from the perspective of Lieutenant Bush, who is senior to Hornblower by a matter of months and has just joined him aboard the Renown. Because of this perspective, the reader is left in the disconcerting position of not actually knowing what Hornblower does and doesn't know. What he did and didn't do. It makes you doubt Hornblower's character, which is hard to take, knowing that he is equally capable of being submissive when required and brutal when necessary. Needless to say, it was a relief to get back to the familiar format of being party to all of Hornblower's thoughts and actions.
Some people don't like the sheer volume of self -reflection that Hornblower indulges in, but I really found it interesting and perhaps a bit more realistic than the "I'm a hero, I don't have doubts or second thoughts or regrets". I truly felt that this style of writing helped me to embrace the character more fully - to feel like I was really getting to know that man he is, rather than just skimming over the surface of the things he does.
I haven't really been inspired to write a review like this for a while, which really just emphasises how much I enjoyed this introduction to the character of Horatio Hornblower.
I'll also add that the descriptions of the sailing ships and all that is required to keep them going is just amazing and really pulls you in to the story as well.
If you're not convinced, I recommend that you watch the first two episodes of the series, so that when you read, you have Ioan Gruffudd and all his handsome yummy - accented glory in mind when you picture Hornblower. :-)
March 7, 2014
A thoroughly good book; well written and well researched. it is obvious why/how he was the inspiration for Patrick O'Brien and the Aubrey series. These books are, however, more definitely action and concentrate much more on the naval aspects and the war fighting without the more complex relationships developed by O'Brien.
Hornblower is clearly an exceptional naval commander but one who doesn't blow his own trumpet and it's interesting to see how his advancement only comes about through those who can see how good he really is rather than because he is pushing himself forward.
I look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.
Hornblower is clearly an exceptional naval commander but one who doesn't blow his own trumpet and it's interesting to see how his advancement only comes about through those who can see how good he really is rather than because he is pushing himself forward.
I look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.
December 21, 2013
What a great book, actually 3 in one, the first 3 books in the series about a young Englishman in Nelson's navy of the late 1700s & early 1800s. Impeccable period detail, speech patterns, cultural phenomena, how tall ships were sailed, etc., with a healthy dash of adventure thrown in. Excellent writing skills, far above average, makes it doubly, triply sweet. Treat yourself!
September 6, 2020
Sometimes a character is so well known reading about him feels superfluous. I’d never read any of C.S. Forester’s ‘Hornblower’ series - or seen any of the many adaptations - but the name seems to hover over all maritime fiction and more besides. Someone once described The Wrath of Khan as ‘Hornblower in space.’
I was glad I did.
The three novels in this omnibus edition were published later on in the series, but, chronologically, come at the very beginning. If you have no idea what a mizzen is or a quarterdeck, you don’t really need to. Strict period realism is not the point - for that see Patrick O’Brian. But these aren’t swashbuckling entertainments that treat the navy only as an incidental backdrop either. The brutality and oddity of naval life is not excluded. You feel these are real ships in a real place. A British ship’s sails are darker than a French ship’s because they spend longer at sea. A lieutenant’s promotion is largely based on either luck or family connections rather than real merit. I sometimes wonder if this is what authors really mean when they call ships ‘floating Englands.’
I was glad I did.
The three novels in this omnibus edition were published later on in the series, but, chronologically, come at the very beginning. If you have no idea what a mizzen is or a quarterdeck, you don’t really need to. Strict period realism is not the point - for that see Patrick O’Brian. But these aren’t swashbuckling entertainments that treat the navy only as an incidental backdrop either. The brutality and oddity of naval life is not excluded. You feel these are real ships in a real place. A British ship’s sails are darker than a French ship’s because they spend longer at sea. A lieutenant’s promotion is largely based on either luck or family connections rather than real merit. I sometimes wonder if this is what authors really mean when they call ships ‘floating Englands.’
November 28, 2013
Having read the Aubrey-Maturin books by Patrick O'Brian and have now started to read Hornblower. My preference is........... Hornblower. Purely for the reason that, for me, the variety within the plots are better.
I enjoyed Aubrey and would recommend them for anyone, but, Hornblower is even more of a rip roaring yarn.
The only thing is that, not being a sailor I find the descriptions of which sails are run out and when, difficult to follow. If was that much of a problem I could always look it up on the internet.
I enjoyed Aubrey and would recommend them for anyone, but, Hornblower is even more of a rip roaring yarn.
The only thing is that, not being a sailor I find the descriptions of which sails are run out and when, difficult to follow. If was that much of a problem I could always look it up on the internet.
January 7, 2015
A well known series of books and very well written, which have also been made into films. Adventure, excitement, sea battles as each book takes the reader along the progress in Hornblower's maturity and career from midshipman to Admiral. I have read all of them more than once and watched the films too. A fascinating and easy read.
November 17, 2009
After seeing the wonderful made for TV-movies I just had to read the books.
February 25, 2023
Don’t even know how many times I’ve read this series, which I seem to have started on again, captivated as usual by the beautiful writing and the meticulous descriptions of life at sea, and on land, during the Napoleonic Wars, and the complicated character of Hornblower. Thank goodness I forget many of the details in between readings, so that I can enjoy them over and over. Timeless classics.
February 5, 2021
I first read the Hornblower novels when I was 14 and wanting to be a sailor when I grew up. I was pretty fed up when I discovered girls weren't allowed to be regular ratings. That was in the olden days of course, some 66 years ago and thank God women have gained more recognition for their bravery and daring these days.
I have just reread Mr Midshipman Hornblower with trepidation. Would it actually be as good as I remembered? Short answer: Yes. It's a brilliant exciting tale of adventure on the high seas and I've fallen for the gangly youth all over again.
The Hornblower of the books doesn't look remotely like his dashing film version Ioan Gruffudd. He's prone to sea sickness and he's clumsy. He regularly forgets some vital detail such as his prize ship might be holed beneath the water line and therefore ultimately sinking. But its these imperfections that make him human and so relatable. I don't understand the criticisms of those who find him too perfect to be true. They cant have read the books properly.
C S Forrester is a naval genius and his oeuvre of 11 volumes a fantastic read. I'm on to the next one. Hornblower has been promoted. Now he is Lieutenant Hornblower. Hurrah for the Royal Navy.
I have just reread Mr Midshipman Hornblower with trepidation. Would it actually be as good as I remembered? Short answer: Yes. It's a brilliant exciting tale of adventure on the high seas and I've fallen for the gangly youth all over again.
The Hornblower of the books doesn't look remotely like his dashing film version Ioan Gruffudd. He's prone to sea sickness and he's clumsy. He regularly forgets some vital detail such as his prize ship might be holed beneath the water line and therefore ultimately sinking. But its these imperfections that make him human and so relatable. I don't understand the criticisms of those who find him too perfect to be true. They cant have read the books properly.
C S Forrester is a naval genius and his oeuvre of 11 volumes a fantastic read. I'm on to the next one. Hornblower has been promoted. Now he is Lieutenant Hornblower. Hurrah for the Royal Navy.
October 12, 2012
Well as this was three books in one I'll try to do three reviews and the book as a whole.
Mr Midshipman Hornblower was quite good even though the story progressed through the chapters a little strangely and was more like a collection of short stories. But still an enjoyable book on its own.
Lieutenant Hornblower was written from Lieutenant Bush's perspective quite a lot of the time and seemed as though you were watching the story unfold rather than reading the main character's thoughts. This was quite strange and although I had some idea of the plot from seeing the series a long time ago it was interesting, apart from the third person narrative.
Hornblower and the Hotspur really showed a more mature author behind it and was a lot more enjoyable with the plot progressing more smoothly from chapter to chapter.
On a whole I have given this book four stars due to the lesser qualities of midshipman and lieutenant compared to Hornblower and the Hotspur. They all were enjoyable but I probably should have read them seperately as it would have been less of a daunting task and more entertaining, hence the four star rating of this book.
Mr Midshipman Hornblower was quite good even though the story progressed through the chapters a little strangely and was more like a collection of short stories. But still an enjoyable book on its own.
Lieutenant Hornblower was written from Lieutenant Bush's perspective quite a lot of the time and seemed as though you were watching the story unfold rather than reading the main character's thoughts. This was quite strange and although I had some idea of the plot from seeing the series a long time ago it was interesting, apart from the third person narrative.
Hornblower and the Hotspur really showed a more mature author behind it and was a lot more enjoyable with the plot progressing more smoothly from chapter to chapter.
On a whole I have given this book four stars due to the lesser qualities of midshipman and lieutenant compared to Hornblower and the Hotspur. They all were enjoyable but I probably should have read them seperately as it would have been less of a daunting task and more entertaining, hence the four star rating of this book.
May 11, 2012
I found I love the prose very much, which I didn't expect. There's lots and lots of wonderful adjectives, but the author doesn't ever lose track of the action he's telling, unlike, say, Tolkien. ;) It's very descriptive, but you hardly notice unless the author really, really wants you to feel the longing for the sea and the mental anguish his characters are going through. It happens a couple of times and it's always very powerful.
I know nothing about sailing and sail ships. I just appreciate them for their beauty. But the text always takes care to explain what is going on at each moment and why a single is important and why you as the reader should care about this precise maneuver and that. The prose is not only very pretty, it is also very clear. Like, "here have this piece of information. And now I'm going to show exactly why this information is important and why you should care about this action. Have fun with the suspense!"
I will definitely read more of this series.
I know nothing about sailing and sail ships. I just appreciate them for their beauty. But the text always takes care to explain what is going on at each moment and why a single is important and why you as the reader should care about this precise maneuver and that. The prose is not only very pretty, it is also very clear. Like, "here have this piece of information. And now I'm going to show exactly why this information is important and why you should care about this action. Have fun with the suspense!"
I will definitely read more of this series.
October 4, 2013
C. S. Forrester knew his subject well. This expert knowledge adds to the vivid picture he paints of life at sea in the halcyon days of the British Navy, when Britannia really did rule the wave. This descriptive ability is coupled with frequent insights into the character of the eponymous hero, who displays, not only his great successes, but also his personal failings, for which he exacts a merciless self-punishment.
He is brave, yet afraid, wise and yet foolish, as when he marries pretty much the first girl,(Maria), who sets her cap at him, but later seems to regret this, although doing his duty by her and ensuring that she is unaware of his true feelings. He is loyal to his country and modest, is respected by his crew,and his fellow officers, in fact he is a model Englishman. The book starts with Hornblower as a Midshipman and ends with his promotion, by Cornwallis, to the rank of Captain.
I read this as a teenager and have enjoyed re-visiting the saga.
He is brave, yet afraid, wise and yet foolish, as when he marries pretty much the first girl,(Maria), who sets her cap at him, but later seems to regret this, although doing his duty by her and ensuring that she is unaware of his true feelings. He is loyal to his country and modest, is respected by his crew,and his fellow officers, in fact he is a model Englishman. The book starts with Hornblower as a Midshipman and ends with his promotion, by Cornwallis, to the rank of Captain.
I read this as a teenager and have enjoyed re-visiting the saga.
April 30, 2022
STILL AN EXCELLENT READ!
I was first introduced to Horatio Hornblower in the Summer between 7th and 8th grade. We'd moved to a new town and I knew no one. The city library was within a (somewhat) moderate walking distance from our "new" home. A copy of this, the first book in the series was displayed near the door as I walked inside. I grabbed it, got set up with a Library Card, and took it home. I was caught up in the Napolianic War at sea from the very start. Having served twenty years in the Navy since then I must say that taking another turn through the series with my nautical experiences has been even more rewarding. Avast reading that dribble and plunge into a world of fire and shot, cannon and cutlass. Watch a young midshipmans journey from anonymity to Hero... Horatio Hornblower!
I was first introduced to Horatio Hornblower in the Summer between 7th and 8th grade. We'd moved to a new town and I knew no one. The city library was within a (somewhat) moderate walking distance from our "new" home. A copy of this, the first book in the series was displayed near the door as I walked inside. I grabbed it, got set up with a Library Card, and took it home. I was caught up in the Napolianic War at sea from the very start. Having served twenty years in the Navy since then I must say that taking another turn through the series with my nautical experiences has been even more rewarding. Avast reading that dribble and plunge into a world of fire and shot, cannon and cutlass. Watch a young midshipmans journey from anonymity to Hero... Horatio Hornblower!
July 23, 2011
Released to tie in with the ITV series of the same name a few years back (hence the cover photo), this omnibus edition consists of the following:
Mr Midshipman Hornblower
Lieutenant Hornblower
Hornblower and the Hotspur
While the second two are novels in their own right (with an over-reaching plot structure), it has to be said that the first (also the one the TV series seems to be based on) reads more like a series of short stories, a sense heightened by the fact that each chapter has its own distinct heading. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if that was originally the case, and they have all just been collected here under that umbrella heading of Mr Midshipman Hornblower!
Mr Midshipman Hornblower
Lieutenant Hornblower
Hornblower and the Hotspur
While the second two are novels in their own right (with an over-reaching plot structure), it has to be said that the first (also the one the TV series seems to be based on) reads more like a series of short stories, a sense heightened by the fact that each chapter has its own distinct heading. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me in the least if that was originally the case, and they have all just been collected here under that umbrella heading of Mr Midshipman Hornblower!
June 6, 2014
Fabulous entertainment. You can almost smell the salt and tar and taste the rum.
Hornblower is C.S.Forester's literary clone of Nelson. That is not the slightest problem as Nelson is a pretty good role model to base a character on.
As it is Forester, you expect accurate description of life on board a fighting ship in the Napoleonic wars. And you certainly get that. What you might not expect is the depth of character that he manages to include.
Read all 11 novels back to back and you get a man's life. An eventful life which takes him from midshipmen to admiral.
Peerless.
Hornblower is C.S.Forester's literary clone of Nelson. That is not the slightest problem as Nelson is a pretty good role model to base a character on.
As it is Forester, you expect accurate description of life on board a fighting ship in the Napoleonic wars. And you certainly get that. What you might not expect is the depth of character that he manages to include.
Read all 11 novels back to back and you get a man's life. An eventful life which takes him from midshipmen to admiral.
Peerless.
November 5, 2015
The best books in the series in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, they are all good, it's just that the first ones before he became Captain (spoiler!) are the most entertaining.
August 17, 2020
Lt. Hornblower is probably my favorite Hornblower book.
March 21, 2024
The first three Hornblower books – Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, Lieutenant Hornblower, Hornblower and the Hotspur – in one omnibus.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower is an excellent start to the Hornblower series and legend. Highly engaging with some great plots and action. There's a wonderful legendary-career-in-progress vibe going on which elevates the book to another level.
After that solid foundation, Lieutenant Hornblower builds on it and even surpasses the first book, something I didn’t think possible. While Mr. Midshipman Hornblower was a series of almost-independent adventures, Lieutenant Hornblower is a one continuous story, broken down into actions and events within that story. This makes for a more engaging read.
In addition to the usual action there’s the very realistic picture of what happens to a navy and its personnel when there’s no war on. Does show a side to a military career that is hardly examined.
In the third book, Hornblower and the Hotspur, CS Forester is in top form as the series hits its stride. For the first time Hornblower is commanding his own ship and here we get to see his genius for naval warfare and ship handling. We get to see everything involved in running a ship – the detail is amazing, as if Forester was there, back in 1803.
Quite tension-filled too as Hotspur often has to fight overwhelming odds.
Three superb books and an excellent collection.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower is an excellent start to the Hornblower series and legend. Highly engaging with some great plots and action. There's a wonderful legendary-career-in-progress vibe going on which elevates the book to another level.
After that solid foundation, Lieutenant Hornblower builds on it and even surpasses the first book, something I didn’t think possible. While Mr. Midshipman Hornblower was a series of almost-independent adventures, Lieutenant Hornblower is a one continuous story, broken down into actions and events within that story. This makes for a more engaging read.
In addition to the usual action there’s the very realistic picture of what happens to a navy and its personnel when there’s no war on. Does show a side to a military career that is hardly examined.
In the third book, Hornblower and the Hotspur, CS Forester is in top form as the series hits its stride. For the first time Hornblower is commanding his own ship and here we get to see his genius for naval warfare and ship handling. We get to see everything involved in running a ship – the detail is amazing, as if Forester was there, back in 1803.
Quite tension-filled too as Hotspur often has to fight overwhelming odds.
Three superb books and an excellent collection.
March 1, 2023
Three books under one cover, this edition includes Horatio Hornblower's adventures from the time when he joins the British navy as a seasick midshipman until he becomes a full captain after being a commander of the Hotspur. Napoleon is on the loose, gobbling up territory as fast as he can, and he is only prevented from conquering Great Britain by the British navy, the best in the world. Hornblower is smart, and good at the mathematics needed to control a ship under any condition of wind and weather. He also finds that he has a lust for fighting under the right circumstances. Although always unsure of himself, he proves again and again that he has what it takes to be successful as a naval officer.
March 8, 2023
Fans of the Hornblower series will love this. I only gave it three stars because the Kindle edition I got from Amazon had very bad typograhical issues. Any word with an apostrophy would have several extra characters. There are very many such words in these stories, several per page. A’vast. F’castle etc
April 16, 2022
Horrible printing job on a great book.
The book is great but the print in this version is marred by nonsense symbols instead of punctuation. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. Buy a different version and enjoy.
The book is great but the print in this version is marred by nonsense symbols instead of punctuation. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. Buy a different version and enjoy.
August 30, 2023
Mr Midshipman Hornblower: A delightful series of short stories
Lieutenant Hornblower: A delightful and slightly homoerotic slowburn between two naval lieutenants
Hornblower and the Hotspur: Getting Straight Married was a Mistake
Lieutenant Hornblower: A delightful and slightly homoerotic slowburn between two naval lieutenants
Hornblower and the Hotspur: Getting Straight Married was a Mistake
December 8, 2023
General comment
These stories get better with age. I read this anthology for about the fourth time and again found much to enjoy. I even passed a chapter that I found amusing to my lady friend who has little interest in nautical tales and she enjoyed it.
These stories get better with age. I read this anthology for about the fourth time and again found much to enjoy. I even passed a chapter that I found amusing to my lady friend who has little interest in nautical tales and she enjoyed it.
September 10, 2025
This is a great book, very catching and hard to put down.
And all the sailing terms (a glossary would probably spoiled the feeling) you don't understand make the atmosphere even better. You feel you understand a bit better about naval blockade and warfare after this book.
And all the sailing terms (a glossary would probably spoiled the feeling) you don't understand make the atmosphere even better. You feel you understand a bit better about naval blockade and warfare after this book.
September 8, 2020
I always enjoy C.S Forester's sea stories. Not disappointed with this collection.
April 2, 2021
Rereading these stories after many years and having watched the TV series and repeat on DVD. The stories and the writing are as good as I remembered.
November 7, 2022
Really good adventure on the high seas , easy to read and lots to absorb regarding the age of sail and the Royal Navy at this time.
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this omnibus. Had enough excitement to keep me interested. But Hornblower is not as charismatic or likeable as in the series on the cover. But it was still a good read.
March 19, 2024
Long and dry. Too much boring sailing, old language, and not much happening.
December 6, 2024
Hornblower, early days.
Damn fine writing and a damn good subject story. This must be the third time I have read this series and it probably won’t be my last.
Damn fine writing and a damn good subject story. This must be the third time I have read this series and it probably won’t be my last.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews