Mr. Midshipman Hornblower

C. S. Forester · first published 1950 · ISBN 9781717596390

These interconnected stories follow young Hornblower as a midshipman during the American War of Independence and the opening of the Napoleonic Wars, showing his early adventures on various ships and the experiences that forged his character. Forester uses short episodes to build a portrait of a boy becoming a professional naval officer through small trials and hard lessons. Each story is self-contained but builds toward a coherent whole.