FORTUNE'S FAVORITE: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line [Paperback]

Christopher J Valin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 29, 2009

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Fireship Press (October 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934757721
• ISBN-13: 978-1934757727
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,450,194 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Christopher J. Valin is a writer, teacher, artist, and historian living in the Los Angeles area. He received his masters' degree with honors in military history from American Military University and his bachelor's degree in history from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. Christopher is the 5x-great-grandson of Sir Charles Douglas, the subject of his book, Fortune's Favorite: Sir Charles and the Breaking of the Line.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Remarkable Book with a Personal Connection, January 23, 2010

By 

Brian DeLay (Berkeley, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: FORTUNE'S FAVORITE: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line (Paperback)

Chris Valin's excellent study of Charles Douglas probably won't be the last word on the controversy over the breaking of the line, but it should be. A determined and inventive detective, Valin has done more than anyone else to find evidence that speaks to this important controversy. In clear, engaging prose, he makes what I see as an unanswerable case that Sir Charles Douglas suggested -- rather, insisted upon -- breaking the French line that fateful day at the Battle of the Saints. The case is made through exemplary research, judicious argument, and a writer's eye for the telling anecdote. Valin also makes the case by systematically anticipating arguments contrary to his own, and then quietly, systematically destroying them. Sir Charles Douglas was robbed of his rightful recognition; that it took a relative (Valin is a descendant) to right the wrong only adds to the book's appeal. Henceforth, no will be able to write about this question without grappling with Fortune's Favorite.

There is much in this book that enlightens and entertains beyond its signal contribution to the breaking of the line controversy. Valin loves counterfactuals, and he occasionally delights the reader with the sort of what-if digressions that history buffs find irresistible. Readers unfamiliar with British naval history will find this book a sympathetic and intelligible introduction. Specialists will admire the author's precision, and the understated force of his arguments. Most of all, readers of all stripes will find the book difficult to put down. Fortune's Favorite is a wonderful piece of history and deserves to be widely read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sir Charles Douglas Forgotten Hero, May 12, 2010

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C. E. Pippenger "Pip" (Burlington, VT) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: FORTUNE'S FAVORITE: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line (Paperback)

This is an extensively researched, well written and readable book which is long overdue. Valin is to be given credit and kudos for his meticulous attention to details, his historical accuracy and willingness to present both sides of the argument. Anyone who knows about Adm. George Rodney's egotism and greed and Douglas's sense of honor and duty will have to agree the victory at the Battle of the Saintes truly belongs to Sir Charles Douglas. As the Fleet Commander, Rodney got the credit; but it was Douglas who had the idea and implemented the breaking of the line. Of equal importance is Valin's description of Douglas's early life. We forget that Douglas played a major role during the American Revolution in lifting the siege of Québec in 1776 and the construction of the British fleet which fought and defeated the American fleet commanded by Benedict Arnold in the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain in October 1776. Douglas assured that Canada would remain in British hands. It is important to recognize, as Valin notes, in retrospect Douglas's greatest contributions were to naval gunnery. His innovations set the stage for the success of the British Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

This book should be in every academic and nautical library. Considering its price, I would encourage anyone interested in the history surrounding the naval aspects of the American Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars to purchase this book. It is a great read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fortune's Favorite, Indeed!, January 10, 2010

By 

Scott Haskin "Composer" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: FORTUNE'S FAVORITE: Sir Charles Douglas and the Breaking of the Line (Paperback)

Not only is this book one I truly enjoyed reading but found inspiring as well. It is amazing how much of a difference one person can make when they apply themselves and aren't afrid to think outside the box. I cannot even begin to imagine how different the world would have been without the vast efforts of Sir Charles Douglas. This book is a comprehensive detail of events with plenty of references and insights to make the picture complete. Easily worth reading!