Helpful Score: 1
In book 17 of the Ramage series Nicholas Ramage is still in this frigate Calypso this time chasing pirates along the Barbary Coast. Pope knows the period backwards and forwards he draws an accurate picture of the political climate and Englands allies at a time of war. Ramage is maybe a little too lucky in his ventures but Popes characters are likable and well fleshed out. A enjoyable and entertaining read for anyone into the Nelson era of sailing ships.
When Captain Ramage is ordered to Naples, neither he nor the crew of the frigate Calypso exepct to meet hostile ships in the Mediterranean so soon after the battle of Trafalgar. Yet hardly have they cleared the Straits of Gibraltar than they sight two French battleships of the Line. Arriving eventually in Naples, Ramage reports to Admiral Rudd, expecting to be given the tedious task of escorting merchantmen. Nothing could be further from the truth. The mission he is given is one far better suited to his reputation: he is to sail to Sicily where the Barbary Coast pirates - the Saraceni - have been terrorizing the fishing ports.
This is Ramage's 17th recorded adventure.
This is Ramage's 17th recorded adventure.
