Doctor Dogbody's Leg (Heart of Oak Sea Classics) [Paperback]

James N. Hall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1998 | Series: Heart of Oak Sea Classics

Ripping sea yarns from the creator of Mutiny on the Bounty.

James Norman Hall is best known as the co-author of the classic Bounty trilogy. In his later years, his favorite work was writing the tales spun by Dr. Dogbody, a peg-legged old salt who never lets the truth get in the way of a good story. Doctor Dogbody's tales vividly recreate the Napoleonic Wars, and delight with broad comedy, rollicking naval adventure, and characters that will live on in the reader's memory.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With this 1940 title, Holt launches its new "Heart of the Oak Sea Classics" series. Written by the coauthor of the Bounty trilogy, this is one of many books that follow the adventures of title character Dr. Dogbody, a peg-legged old salt from the 18th century. Sea stories are making a comeback, so when all your Patrick O'Brians are out, recommend Hall.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

James Norman Hall (1887-1951) was co-author with Charles Bernard Nordhoff of the Bounty trilogy, as well as The Hurricane and Botany Bay, among other works. His individual works include The Tale of a Shipwreck and Mid-Pacific. He lived in Tahiti and California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805058311
• ISBN-13: 978-0805058314
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #610,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A collection of 10 short stories, May 18, 2000

By 

Fred Camfield (Vicksburg, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Doctor Dogbody's Leg (Heart of Oak Sea Classics Series) (Hardcover)

This book was a change of pace for the author, who was the co-author of Mutiny on the Bounty and other books. It is humorous light reading, with the tales set in the Cheerful Tortoise, as Dr. Dogbody, Royal Naval, meets with old acquaintances and tells tales about how he lost his leg. It sometimes rambles a bit, as tales might if told by an old-timer reminiscing. Overall, it is a good collection of stories that could probably be shared with children. So get a pint of ale, and sit down in front of the fire at the Cheerful Tortoise while Dr. Dogbody relates his adventures.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific, salt-stained literary treasure, January 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Doctor Dogbody's Leg (Heart of Oak Sea Classics) (Paperback)

This unique collection of short stories, all of which are based in a small and colorful Portsmouth tavern, is a fabulous read. Excellent characters, pure enjoyment layered upon tales of the sea, famous events and battles and a lot of witty and rich dialog. Dr. Dogbody's salty and humorous martime stories capture both the people and events of the time. Dogbody is a mixture of Harry Flashman, Forest Gump and Long John Silver. The supporting cast of characters is suberb, all carefully written to interface with Dogbody's amazing tales relating to the loss of his missing apendage. I'd love to see the BBC present ten episodes of this book. A clever and unique reading adventure. If you enjoy the Forester, Kent, Pope, Fraser or O'Brian's novels, you'll find this and keep it on you bookshelf and point it out to your literary companions with a chuckle.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tickle your funny bone, June 30, 2000

By 

Gil Tenzer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Doctor Dogbody's Leg (Heart of Oak Sea Classics) (Paperback)

A must read for any and all O'brien fans. This is one the funniest books I have ever read. The good doctor spins increasingly outragous yarns and somehow makes it all seem plausible. The writing is first rate and the characters are vivid and real.