A Brief History of Mutiny by Richard Woodman

"Mutiny is defined as 'open revolt against constituted authority; now chiefly on the part of a disciplined body. especially military or naval.'"

To any man "commissioned" to lead, there is no greater threat than Mutiny. While it might arise from the temperment of the leader, it might just as well arise from conditions over which that leader has no control. Yet the result can cast a shadow never to be erased.

I bought this book because I've liked everything I've read by Woodman, and I wanted to read a condensed history on the subject of mutiny from the historical perspective.

Publisher's comments: "Mutiny at sea has always benn a looming danger, particularly on long, difficult voyages. The rigid hierarchy and deep social divisions between the crew and their commander, the misery and monotony of sea life, the constant threat of death from shipwreck, disease, or enemy action could acquire such frightening proprotions as to undermine all normal trust between captain and crew.

The most notorious mutiny was on the Bounty in 1789, an event elevated to iconic status by Hollywood, yet described here as a mere "pup" among mutinies. Captain Bligh was neither tyrant nor sadist - but Pigot of the Hermione was, and the crew were probably justified in throwing him overboard. Richard Woodman brings a unique, seaman's perspective to mutinies across the globe-- from Magellan's successful handling of mutiny on his great voyage of discovery and circumnavigation to 1520 to the "sordid crimes" that mutinies had become by the end of World War II."

From the voyage of Columus in 1492 to the USS Constellation and theUSS Kitty Hawk in 1970 (yes mutiny aboard the largest ships afloat). I found it to be a good "weekend read". An indepth look at several mutinies, the sparks that set them off and their impacts both immediate and lasting. Richard Woodman didn't disappoint me.

It's in my library.