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Summary: An outstanding series for either sex and any age.
Review: In response to the review of a reader from Palo Alto: "an outstanding series for young boys", may I point out that this is an outstanding series for either sex. The majority of my colleagues, male and female officers of all the military services, enthusiastically agreed. Anyone who hasn't yet read the Hornblower saga can be assured that it will enthrall all ages. And both sexes. A desire for a naval career is not a pre-requisite.
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Summary: Whats the reading level????
Review: someone please tell me
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Summary: Excellent sea-going tale
Review: This book brings to life the history of the British Navy. It truely gives insight to life and thought proccesses of the age. Great reading for the nautical buff.
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Summary: an outstanding series for young boys who are good readers
Review: I have given this series to my boys beginning at age 7 or 8 and they were thrilled with it.
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Summary: START HERE
Review: If at all possible this is the very first book anyone going into the Hornblower saga should start with. Hornblower is a 17 year old (and older than usual) entering the Royal Navy. He is tormented by one other "Oldster" and young Hornblowers rather drastic measures to stop the needless pain is a comment on the times.
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Summary: A non-perfect hero we can all identify with!
Review: I read the whole series every four years or so and always enjoy it more and more - it brings out the maximum of the romantisism of sail without hiding the harsh conditions of seagoing life. Hornblower has fears, makes mistakes, has triumphs, is hated and loved by his crews and lives the life we all dream about, but would never the guts to live! I dare you to start the first chapter!
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Summary: A long trip book
Review: Although an excellent book for long trips, this is not a book that keeps you up for hours past midnight. The plot is outstanding and it is well written, but it doesn't keep you reading like it should.
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Summary: Excellent story line & plot!!
Review: Forester displays an unique talent for interesting details of the setting and action packed battle scenes. His stories include both historical and fictional information that enhance the reader's interest in the book while reading. The only downfall is that the book starts off a little slow and the reader may lose interest in the first few chapters. Be patient! The book develops further along and becomes very exciting. This book is a must read for anybody interested in the Napoleonic Wars and naval battles!!
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Summary: Fine for what it is
Review: I instantly fell in love with the Hornblower saga through the wonderful series of A&E movies (available on DVD). I thought I'd give the first Hornblower book a try but was rather disappointed. You won't find the nuanced, charismatic versions of Hornblower, Pellew, Matthews, Stiles, and other characters in this book; it turns out that much of what makes the films great is actually the work of the screenwriters and actors, not Forester. Mr. Midshipman Hornblower is simply a well-paced but psychologically shallow series of adventure yarns best geared towards young-adult readers. Don't expect serious, insightful nautical literature a la Conrad or Melville (and perhaps O'Brian) nor the rich characters of the Hornblower films. The book is fun for a breezy read, but you'll likely enjoy the movies much more.
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Summary: Great Adventure
Review: The "Horatio Hornblower" books cannot be beat for adventure, excitement, and historic depiction. These novels of the British navy during the Napoleonic wars depict a man of average, or even below average physical ability, who relies on his mind, struggles with moral issues, and wins through with courage and planning. Hornblower's success is often shown to stem from his productive activity -- his motto: "Do it now." Interestingly, Hornblower thinks he is a coward, even while he illustrates the true nature of courage -- he is embarrassed for being afraid in the face of danger, even while he leads the way.
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