Hornblower and the Hotspur-audiobook by CS Forester read by Ioan Gruffud

Hornblower and the Hotspur (1962) Historical Fiction. The 11 volume Hornblower series takes place during the deadly wars of conquest waged by Napoleon (1803-1815). While the 3rd of 11 Hornblower books in chronological order, Hornblower and the Hotspur was the 10th book published and final book completed in its entirety by the author, who died before completing the 11th Hornblower book.
Horatio Hornblower is an officer in the British Royal Navy. He began as a midshipman and has worked his way up in the ranks to become Commander of the Hotspur. Commander is one rank below Captain. While on a recon mission to spy on the French navy, war between England and France is declared and the battle commences. As if that weren’t enough Hornblower, for better or worse, experiences a great change in his personal life. Movie length.
I wish you all Fair winds and following seas!
C.S. Forester (1899-1966) Cecil Scott was born in Cairo Egypt and raised in London England. He initially studied medicine before dropping out to pursue writing. Most of his novels have a seafaring setting and his best-known books are the Horatio Hornblower novels which have been made into; a fine movie starring Gregory Peck, and seven entertaining TV movies starring the reader of this audiobook. Mr. Forester also wrote The African Queen of which there is an audiobook version here on Great Books on Tape.
Quote The stinks of the true believers have to be smelt to be believed. (True believer - nothing will change their mind.)
Ioan Gruffudd [Yo-wahn Griffith] (1973 - ) was born in Cardiff, the capitol of Wales, UK. At age 13, Ioan got a role on a Welsh language soap opera. At that age he also enjoyed singing and playing the oboe. His first big break was a small role in the mega-blockbuster Titanic as a crewmember in a rowboat looking for survivors and finding Rose “Turnabout!” He became well known with the 2 Fantastic Four films playing the stretchy Mr. Fantastic. Since then, he has starred in four well received TV series; Forever, Liar and Harrow, Horatio Hornblower, along with numerous guest star TV series appearances; Glee, Castle, Family Guy. and movie performances; Amazing Grace (where Yo-wahn gets to sing the title’s hymn), San Andreas, The Professor and the Madman.
Enjoy!

[@judgeboony2695]

Hornblower, read by Hornblower.
Can't get any better than that. :D

[@doreekaplan2589]

Beautifully written. Appreciate it as an author today of adventure stories for young adults. 'They' say the genre is out of date; unpopular nowadays. I'm willing to be the exception. One writes what we have in us.

[@1celloheaven]

A bridge to my childhood when we found adventure in the written word...in an analogue world where digital did not exist, when televisions the size of a small bus were rare, and ready meals had not been invented. I thank my lucky stars for those days. This classic tale is welcome and much appreciated. Thank you.

[@rodneyadderton1077]

I miss the days of my childhood too.

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

You listened to this on UA-cam.

[@1celloheaven]

Of course...but I read the book decades ago...that's the point. @@cyclingnerddelux698

[@danielbtwd]

Growing up in South Africa, we didn't have television until the mid 70's. We spent our free time outside exploring the wilderness and reading books by CS Forester.

[@1celloheaven]

@@danielbtwd Likewise Daniel my first 8 years were in India...always outdoors on adventures !

[@RichardHansbury]

These were the perfect boy's adventure stories all full of honor and courage. Too bad more people never learn the pleasure of this conduct.

[@tedtimmis8135]

Perfect adventures for men of any age.

[@Etainshewolf7140]

It’s nice to hear this novel read by the man who played a very good Hornblower in the tv series. Like listening to Sherlock Homes read by Benedict Cumberbatch

[@peterwalker4569]

I agree completely about the link to childhood - I also remember a brilliant BBC drama of many of the Hornblower books with brilliant sound effects. I had to do The Gun at school as well. Thank you for posting this one - others would be welcome.

[@ajay-uv2pi]

Good production is a fine example of audio theatre

[@timelordvictorious]

good to hear Mr fantastic reading the book🤣

[@yoso585]

Nice! 122

[@busdriversprayer]

This must be abridged?

[@janastahlut5060]

OMG the narrator was in hurry to finish the book 🤣.

[@wickamouse5]

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