The Frigate Surprise

Brian Lavery is an excellent historian and naval architect; were he to write a laundry list, it would be well worth the read, and this subject has clearly caught his imagination. The actual history of the ship is well documented, with numerous asides and short diversions that certainly fill in the gaps. There is also a section on the O'Brian ship, noting difference to the original. Lavery includes detailed crew lists, as well as crew history, and a lot of detail about the day to day organisation; the watch system, messing arrangements as well as some social history. All fascinating, although the very large format does make reading a little cumbersome!

Where the generous sizing really comes into its own, is in the illustrations. Geoff Hunt is well known for his nautical art, and for the O'Brian covers in particular (in addition to many works by other authors). His art work is superb; detailed, accurate, and absorbing, they bring the ship and the times to life and are an excellent accompaniment to Lavery's text. One chapter details the plans for each of the O'Brian covers; something that hardly sounds inspiring, although I have read it twice, and the book only arrived three days ago.

This really is a must have for anyone interested in O'Brian, and the sailing navy in general.

Astrodene's other site has a more comprehensive review:

http://www.historicnavalfiction.com/index.php/general-hnf-info/book-reviews/1051-review-the-frigate-surprise-by-brian-lavery-and-geoff-hunt

I just grabbed the book and I must say it is by far the most extensive piece on a single warship of the period that I have yet found.

... as well as the only one ... ?

He he! No, there are a few more; the Anatomy of the Ship series also feature some from our period, and are certainly worth a look

Ah, so there are!

True, it is a small genre of publications that cover this subject, but there are a few. Though, I think the only ship tp come even remotely close to our beloved 'Surprise' would be not a surface vessel at all, but the U.S.S. 'Hunley' - AS31.

Whatever, I have found nothing to compete with Geoff Hunt's fantastic artwork. His knack of 'putting you there' is equal to any writer.