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

by James N. Hall (Author) "ON A DREARY AUTUMN EVENING when the clouds hung low in the heavens and the masts and yards of the tall men-of-war in the harbour..." (more)
Key Phrases: Doctor Dogbody, Doctor Quittichunk, Captain Murgatroyd (more...)

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.

Product Description
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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (June 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805058311
• ISBN-13: 978-0805058314
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #616,204 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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 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 (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

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.