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HMS Resolute: From the Canadian Arctic to the Presidents Desk and How She Prevented a War
 
 

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HMS Resolute: From the Canadian Arctic to the Presidents Desk and How She Prevented a War (Paperback)

by Elizabeth Matthews (Author) "Lieutenant Bedford Pirn stood at attention, windward side of the quarterdeck where his aft ..." (more)
5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 200 pages
  • Publisher: Auxilium ab Alto Press (23 Nov 2007)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0755203968
  • ISBN-13: 978-0755203963
  • Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 642,560 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

From the Author
This book treats in depth the complex politics in both the USA and UK, which lead them to being on the brink of their 3rd war in the mid 1850s. This gives the reader the ability to understand more fully why both HMS RESOLUTE, and the desk made from her timbers that is in the oval office today, are such important symbols for the special relationship between America & Britain. Unlike another book that is meant to be non-fiction, the details about Arctic exploration are thoroughly researched, and the characters well rounded.


From the Back Cover
How did a ship involved in a failed search for a lost explorer alter the course of history and become the symbol of Anglo-American friendship? Sent into the Arctic to find Franklin in 1852, HMS RESOLUTE was abandoned; then salvaged by an American whaler,who brought her home on Christmas Eve 1855. When Britain and America were on the brink of their 3rd war, she became the focus of the hostilities...and then history was changed forever!

Follow the divergent lives of a sadistic commander, a Quaker abolitionist, an intrepid Arctic explorer, a pro-slavery senator, an Irish sea captain's wife and headstrong daughter, and a Yankee whaler as they intertwine in the incredible story of HMS RESOLUTE!

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Lieutenant Bedford Pirn stood at attention, windward side of the quarterdeck where his aft. Read the first page
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Average Customer Review
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5.0 out of 5 stars Hstorical Novel Society Review, 6 Dec 2007
By E. R. Matthews - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
HMS RESOLUTE
Elizabeth Matthews, Auxilium ab Alto Press, 2007, $14.95, pb, 196pp, 9780755203963
In 1852, HMS Resolute, under Captain Henry Kellett, ventured into the Arctic as part of a search operation led by the sadistic Sir Edward Belcher. It was the squadron's duty to locate John Franklin, the explorer. During the mission, Resolute became lodged in the arctic ice. After two years, she was abandoned by the expedition and left for dead.
HMS Resolute, by Elizabeth Matthews, takes place during the British involvement in the Crimean War, but its focus is on the escalating tensions between the United States and Britain regarding the US's neutral status. This drama plays out against the backdrop of the increasingly volatile slavery issue in the United States.
Matthews focuses the American portion of this story on a Quaker family in the New London, Connecticut, whaling industry. Fairfax Abraham and his son are torn by their different approaches to the issue of slavery, and the son, Fair Abe, volunteers to go on an arctic whaling expedition to clear his head. While on his journey, he spends some time aboard Resolute. By the end of the story, both the Abraham family and the Resolute play central roles in the resolution of the diplomatic difficulties between the US and Britain.
HMS Resolute is a well-written, though short, novel. I say short because there are a number of incidents that are addressed in the book that I would like to read more about. The writing was well done, and I wouldn't mind spending more time immersed in the world that Matthews has created. This book would make a good addition to most historical fiction collections. It is a fast-paced, enjoyable novel, which covers a period that has not really been addressed by other writers of historical fiction. -- Rob Amend
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5.0 out of 5 stars Ripping yarn, 6 Dec 2007
By Anjinsan (Shoreham-by-Sea, UK) - See all my reviews
HMS Resolute covers an fascinating period before the American Civil War when Britain and America nearly went to war with each other. It is well grounded in the complex politics of the time. This is a forgotten tale, which few know about, that starts with the search for the Northwest Passage. Although this is a fictional work the author has obviously done very thorough research on the ship and the people involved, and it is clear that she has a deep knowledge of her subject. The book is very readable and and the characters are believable. It should appeal to lovers of historical fiction in Canada, USA and Britain. My only critcism is that one event, and there are many dramatic episodes in this tale, when the crew of Resolute rescues the starving sailors from HMS Investigator, is only given a brief mention.Perhaps the author should consider a non-fiction book where she could go into the events in even greater depths.

Also,I have just seen Nicholas Cage's new film, NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS, which heavily features the Resolute Desks. The entire 1st half of the movie revolves around Queen Victoria's writing desk and the President's Resolute desk, and the clues they contain. I would recommend this book to any moviegoers who wish to learn more about the intriguing story of this national treasure- HMS Resolute. Although Elizabeth Matthews' book is a work of maritime historical fiction, it appears to be based on 90% historical fact, and is an excellent reference point for Resolute searchers. Her book would make a good film!
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