
Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty
William Bligh(Author)
Adlard Coles Nautical (Publisher)
Published on 14. August 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-1-4729-0721-9 (ISBN)
Description
On 28th April 1789 a small and unremarkable merchant vessel became one of the most famous ships in maritime history. HMS Bounty was under the command of 34-year-old Lieutenant William Bligh, an inexperienced commander who lacked the respect of a crew attracted to the promise of an easy life in a Tahitian paradise.
Fletcher Christian led half the crew in mutiny against Bligh and after overpowering all resistance, they cast their deposed captain adrift along with those still loyal to him. Luckily for Bligh, his skills as a navigator were better than his skills as a captain and he managed to sail the 23ft boat 3,618 nautical miles to Timor in the Dutch East Indies with no chart or compass, and only a quadrant and a pocket watch for navigation. On returning to England he reported what had happened, and the Royal Navy hunted down and captured most of the mutineers.
However, this is only half the story - William Bligh's version. The captured mutineers went on trial and their testimonies give a much less heroic portrait of their former captain, accusing him of unduly harsh treatment. Fletcher Christian's older brother Edward, a judge, oversaw a more balanced account of the mutiny. Of the mutineers who returned to England, only three were hanged; four were acquitted and three pardoned.
This book gives the fullest version of the mutiny, allowing Bligh's account to sit alongside those of his detractors. The discrepancies are fascinating, and allow us to make up our own minds about this infamous mutiny.
Also includes an exclusive Foreword by former World Sailor of the Year Pete Goss, who offers a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of the Bounty's crew, whether castaway or mutineer.
Fletcher Christian led half the crew in mutiny against Bligh and after overpowering all resistance, they cast their deposed captain adrift along with those still loyal to him. Luckily for Bligh, his skills as a navigator were better than his skills as a captain and he managed to sail the 23ft boat 3,618 nautical miles to Timor in the Dutch East Indies with no chart or compass, and only a quadrant and a pocket watch for navigation. On returning to England he reported what had happened, and the Royal Navy hunted down and captured most of the mutineers.
However, this is only half the story - William Bligh's version. The captured mutineers went on trial and their testimonies give a much less heroic portrait of their former captain, accusing him of unduly harsh treatment. Fletcher Christian's older brother Edward, a judge, oversaw a more balanced account of the mutiny. Of the mutineers who returned to England, only three were hanged; four were acquitted and three pardoned.
This book gives the fullest version of the mutiny, allowing Bligh's account to sit alongside those of his detractors. The discrepancies are fascinating, and allow us to make up our own minds about this infamous mutiny.
Also includes an exclusive Foreword by former World Sailor of the Year Pete Goss, who offers a unique perspective on the trials and tribulations of the Bounty's crew, whether castaway or mutineer.
Reviews / Votes
Stylish, high quality collector's edition. * Hardy Boat Owner * The fullest version of this legendary maritime story. * Soundings (US) * A fascinating glimpse beneath the surface of the 1789 mutiny. This book reinforces the old adage that life is never black and white. * Lifeboat * Timeless masterpiece... updated with pictures and maps. * Yachting World *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
US School Grade: From Fourth Grade to Seventh Grade, Reading Age: From 15 to 18 years, Interest Age: From 12 to 17 years
Illustrations
Maps
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
240 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4729-0721-9 (9781472907219)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

William Bligh
Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty
E-Book
08/2014
1st Edition
Adlard Coles Nautical
€12.49
Available for download

William Bligh
Mutiny on Board HMS Bounty
E-Book
08/2014
1st Edition
Adlard Coles Nautical
€12.49
Available for download
Person
Born in 1754, William Bligh was a 34-year-old lieutenant in charge of HMS Bounty when his protege Fletcher Christian led a mutiny against him. Bligh had previously served under Captain Cook on his final voyage, and would go on to become a Vice Admiral of the Royal Navy. He died in London in December 1817.
Pete Goss, MBE received the Legion d'Honneur as well as the ISAF World Sailor of the Year for turning back during the 1996 Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race to save a fellow competitor's life.
Pete Goss, MBE received the Legion d'Honneur as well as the ISAF World Sailor of the Year for turning back during the 1996 Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race to save a fellow competitor's life.