Dorset sailor’s years at sea inspires new book
Added: (Wed Mar 23 2022)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Writing about what you know has been taken to a new level by retired naval commander Anthony Holt.
After first training as marine engineer, the grandfather from Dorset spent more than 30 years as a Royal Navy seaman officer and Fleet Air Arm pilot, serving in every ocean, before a second career as Secretary and CEO of two of London’s most famous gentlemen’s clubs.
Since coming ashore Anthony has written both modern and historical maritime novels along with a further 29 short stories based on his experiences.
He has now added to his growing canon with the publication of HMS Archer – another gripping page-turner set on the high seas in the age of sail.
And this time much of the adventure unfolds off the eastern coast of North America during the 1812 war between America and Britain.
Anthony said: “HMS Archer is a maritime adventure set in the early part of the 1812 war with America, when British frigates far from home were fighting battles at sea and ashore – and frequently with the harsh weather”.
“For HMS Archer, I immersed myself in the history of the period, studying the works of historians from the United States, Canada, and Britain, as well as learning about the ‘Indian’ tribes and escaped slaves who provided much support to the British forces. Additionally I drew from my own experiences along the Atlantic coast of America.”
“HMS Archer follows the fortunes of Lieutenant John Lawson, first under the command of a drunken, cowardly captain, through a near mutiny, where his reputation is put at risk; but then he is exonerated and is supported by some powerful senior officers. As his country faces war on two fronts, and the navy is expanded, he is rewarded with his first command.
HMS Archer is a fascinating and thrilling insight into life aboard a British frigate when the seas were no place for the faint-hearted.
Anthony, who enjoys the writings of Bernard Cornwell, Joseph Conrad and Patrick O’Brien among many others, emphasises that much of his latest novel is based upon actual events.
He added: “Many of the seaborne battles, as well as landings, ship captures and raids on remote coastal areas that feature in the book did take place along the coasts of Massachusetts and Virginia”.
“There were also many successful incursions by American privateers, as well as attacks on British Atlantic convoys by the big, heavily gunned, US Navy frigates, while British ships were trying to disrupt the American trade to Napoleonic France.”
Following the response to HMS Archer, Anthony is already planning sequels.
Away from writing, and since retiring, he has spent time sailing his own yacht, been a member of the local Harbour Board, a National Coastwatch volunteer, a school governor and, previously, he held an unpaid voluntary post as chairman of a Residents’ Association with freehold ownership of an estate of 160 homes set in a five acre landscaped garden.
For more information on Anthony’s books, visit anthonyholt.org.uk or visit Amazon and search for Anthony Holt, where the Kindle and paperback versions of HMS Archer are available.
Notes to the Editor
Publish Nation was formed in London in 2011 to provide high quality services to writers at affordable prices.
Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,500 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on Publish Nation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk