Hornblower and the Crisis

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Hornblower and the Crisis is a 1967 historical novel by C. S. Forester. It forms part of the Horatio Hornblower series.

As a result of C.S. Forester's death in 1966, this book was left unfinished. There is a one-page summary of the last several chapters of the book found on the final page, taken from notes left behind from the author. Because this book is in the middle of the series, there are plenty of following stories that will fill in the blanks this book leaves open.

[edit] Plot summary

Hornblower has just finished his tour blockading Brest on HM sloop "Hotspur". As he travels back to England for his next assignment, he is asked to participate in the court martial of Hotspur's new captain and officers. Hotspur ran aground one day after Hornblower turned over command.

Following the court martial, the officers travel back to England with Hornblower. On their way, they are pursued by a French brig, which they engage and disable. During the battle, Hornblower boards the brig and captures papers from the French Captain's quarters. Back in England, he travels to the Admiralty with the captured documents. This coincides with the disappointing news that the French fleet under Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve has escaped into Ferrol after an indecisive engagement.

Hornblower presents a daring plan to the Secretary of the Navy, to send false orders to Villeneuve, made possible because Hornblower's captured papers include an example of Napoleon Bonaparte's new signature. The orders are to draw Villeneuve out of a safe harbor and into engagement with Admiral Nelson, which leads to the Battle of Trafalgar.

The book ends with Hornblower having undertaken to attempt the mission himself.

This book also includes two short-stories, one at the beginning of Hornblower's career, and one at the very end.

Horatio Hornblower novels by C. S. Forester

Mr. Midshipman Hornblower • Lieutenant Hornblower • Hornblower and the Hotspur • Hornblower and the Crisis • Hornblower and the Atropos • The Happy Return (Beat to Quarters) • A Ship of the Line • Flying Colours • The Commodore • Lord Hornblower • Hornblower in the West Indies