About this book
A Middy of the King by Harry Collingwood plunges listeners into the late-eighteenth-century Royal Navy through the eyes of Dick Delamere, a resolute midshipman whose leave is abruptly ended by orders to join H.M.S. Europa. Collingwood’s sea stories combine brisk naval action with a coming-of-age portrait set against the Age of Sail: patrols in the Chops of the Channel and the Bay of Biscay, sharp encounters with French and Dutch vessels, and a tense voyage to the West Indies where pirates and tropical hazards test courage and seamanship. Rich period detail brings the routines, discipline, and camaraderie of shipboard life to vivid life, while the novel’s themes—duty, honor, youthful ambition, and survival—resonate for modern readers. Written as accessible historical fiction with appeal for teen and young adult audiences, the narrative echoes the classic nautical tradition but keeps its own brisk, adventurous pace. Ideal for fans of historical sea stories, nautical literature, and YA adventure, A Middy of the King offers immersive storytelling and authentic naval flavor—perfect for listeners who crave action, period atmosphere, and a spirited hero’s journey on the high seas.
