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

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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 descendant 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 (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,724,401 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 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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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 Fortune's Favorite, Indeed!, January 10, 2010

By	Scott Haskin "Composer" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Different View Of History, November 19, 2009

By	D. G. Mcmurry (Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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I enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it. Any lover of the Patrick O'Brian Aubrey-Maturin series or naval history nonfiction, should have this book on their shelves. I found it very comprehensive to the subject, of a man that put so much into Royal Navy and is credited very little by history. The view of the American Revolution is thought provoking and something you don't find in the typical history texts. The inclusion of letters of the period, regarding the breaking of the line was an absolute bonus, and only added to the overall enjoyment of the experience.