The Voyage of the Catalpa: A Perilous Journey and Six Irish Rebels' Escape to Freedom (Hardcover)

Copies of THE VOYAGE OF THE CATALPA have gone out, and we've given it a press date of 30th January. The author is writing a piece for HISTORY TODAY whichwill be published in the January issue. He's also written a 1,200 word piecefor the IRISH EXAMINER (22nd Feb.) and a 'top 10 nautical books' for the Guardian Unlimited website. The first reviews have been excellent: 'With enough jib booms, keelsons and leg-of-mutton sails to satisfy a Forester (or O'Brian) fan, enough fitting out of whalers in New Bedford to match Melville and easily enough glowering resentments among the cabin-crazy crew of Scots, Portuguese and Malays to satisfy an enthusiast for Conrad's brooding insights, Steven's narrative is essentially a cool historical record of the shift from the fervid nationalism of pikestaff rebels to a structured, military - and international - Feniasm... In a tightly written book, carefully balanced between gripping adventure and serious history, Stevens has given his characters enough humanity to involve the reader in their exploits and dilemmas, while avoidingthepull of the Irish sentiment and republican rhetoric.'CL Dallat, GUARDIAN 'It is an incredible story and Stevens tells it well...An enjoyable real-liferomance.'Robbie Hudson, SUNDAY TIMES '...it is hard to put this story down. True-life adventure doesn't come much more romantic than the tale of how six Fenians transported to western Australia's escape-proof Fremantle prison weresnatched away under the noses of the authorities by a daring crew of sympathisers who had sailed all the way from New England for the purpose.'SCTOTSMAN 'THE VOYAGE OF THE CATALPA is an excellent true account of action, adventure and politics on the high seas. A fast-paced read about a little-known event in British colonial history and a battle against the system.'GLOBAL ADVENTURE 'This meticulously researched and fast-paced history is a compelling account of one of the great neglected tales of the Irish struggle for independence. It is a true story that reads more like fiction...Peter Stevens' recounts thisstirring adventure in a vivid style so that THE VOYAGE OF THE CATALPA is a history that both enlightens and entertains.'WATERSTONES BOOKS QUARTERLY 'Thisis a gripping account of an event that caused much embarrassment to British imperialists, whilst boosting the cause of Irish self-rule - and a great read.'GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Steven's account combines authoritative historical research with a pacy style that will have the reader speeding towards the dramatic conclusion. THE VOYAGE OF THE CATALPA is not just a swashbuckling tale of rescue. It is also a colourful reminder of the rise of the Irish in America in the second half over the 19th century.'IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'As an adventure storythe whole tale is difficult to beat. Peter Steven's account of the FremantleSix is a fine read.'SUNDAY TRIBUNE (DUBLIN) 'warmly recommended.'IRISH DEMOCRAT 'Peter Stevens' meticulously researched account fully captures the drama of the adventure and shows yet again how, when it comes to telling a good story, fact will so often triumph over fiction.'YORKSHIRE EVENING POST '[an] outstanding book of the sea...Stevens recounts in vivid detail not only their rescue by an American whaling ship but the troubled background of Ireland in the 19th century.'Colin Gardiner, OXFORD TIMES 'A gripping account of one of the greatest escape stories ever told.'GOOD BOOK GUIDE It was also chosen as one

Fast-paced, compelling and meticulously researched, this saga of American, Irish, British and Australian history is the first full telling of the voyage of the Catalpa. Setting out from New Bedford Mass., on April 29, 1875, the American whaling ship undertook a secret year-long mission of international rescue. American captain George Anthony risked his career - and his life - to liberate a group of Irishmen known as 'The Fremantle Six' from an Australian prison. They had been soldiers in the British army and each had taken the secret Fenian oath to fight for Irish independence. The Fremantle Six overcame British armed vessels and furious sea storms to make their miraculous escape with Anthony. The rescue was made without a chronometer and is considered a remarkable feat of navigation, as well as being a legendary symbol of defiance against British imperial authority.