Descrizione
On 28th April 1789 a small and unremarkable merchant vessel became one of the most famous ships in maritime history.HMS Bountywas under the command of 34-year-old LieutenantWilliam Bligh, an inexperienced commanderwho lacked the respect of a crew attracted to the promise of an easy life in a Tahitian paradise.
Fletcher Christian led half the crew in mutiny against Blighand, after overpowering all resistance, they cast their deposed captain adriftalong with those still loyal to him. Luckily for Bligh, his skills as a navigator were better than his skills as a captain andhe managed to sail the 23ft boat 3,618 nautical miles to Timorin the Dutch East Indieswith no chart or compass and only a quadrant and a pocket watchfor navigation. On returning to England he reported what had happened andthe Royal Navy hunted down and captured most of the mutineers.
However, this is only half the story – William Bligh’s version. The captured mutineers went on trial and their testimonies give a much less heroic portrait of their former captain, accusing him ofunduly harsh treatment. Fletcher Christian’s older brother Edward, a judge, oversaw a more balanced account of the mutiny. Of the mutineers who returned to England,only three were hanged; four were acquitted and three pardoned.
This book givesthe fullest version of the mutiny, allowing Bligh’s account to sit alongside those of his detractors. The discrepancies are fascinating and allow us to make up our own minds about this infamous mutiny.
Also includesan exclusive foreword by former World Sailor of the Year Pete Goss, who offers a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of the Bounty’s crew, whether castaway or mutineer.
Comprising an account by Lieutenant William Bligh, the vessel’s master, with responses by Edward Christian, lawyer and brother of mutineer Fletcher Christian.
Edition: 2014
Recensioni
Ancora non ci sono recensioni.