Publisher's Synopsis
1793. Europe is ablaze with war and the Prime Minister, Pitt, despatches a squadron to appear off the French coast. Thomas Paine Kydd, a young wig-maker from Guildford, is press-ganged and taken to be part of the crew of the 98-gun battle ship DUKE WILLIAM. The ship sails immediately and Kydd has to learn the harsh realities of shipboard life fast; despite all he goes through in danger of tempest and battle, he comes to admire the skills and courage of the seamen - taking up the challenge himself to become a true sailor.
