THE BLACK SHIP

Based entirely on contemporary records, this book by a well-known English naval historian tells of the ""bloodiest mutiny ever to occur in the Royal Navy"", in 1797 on the frigate Hermione, commanded by Capt. Hugh Pigot. Joining up at 12 and promoted solely through influence, at 24 he was made captain of the ship Success and sent to the privateer-infested West Indies, where a toadying Vice-Admiral protected him in his brutalities. On Success Pigot flogged two men to death with the cat o' nine ails and got into trouble for beating an American merchant captain. Transferred in January, 1797, to the Hermione, he favored some men and treated others mercilessly. After three men died jumping from the shrouds to escape, mutiny ""like a rope snapping"" broke out among part of the crew, who murdered Pigot and nine other officers. Hiding high drama behind harsh fact, this true tale of horror and adventure at sea will appeal to naval buffs. Romantically-minded landlubbers may object to its factual flavor, but it's where to go after Nordhoff and Hall.