The Power and the Glory [Hardcover]

William C. Hammond's "The Power and the Glory" is the third novel in an action-packed series focusing on the nautical adventures of a fictional New England family during the late 1790s and early 1800s. The Cutler family controlled a vast array of commercial enterprises and is closely connected with the fledgling US Navy in the decade following the American Revolution--when the United Kingdom and France swapped roles as enemy/ally of the US. Well-researched and well-written, Hammond's work combines fast-paced fiction with history--masterfully weaving together real people, places and events with fictional characters to conjure up a totally immersive, detailed and believable yarn. Within the first couple of chapters, Hammond had me completely "reeled in."

As I eagerly raced through the pages, I found myself comparing Hammond's work to two other, well-known books: Patrick O'Brian's "Master and Commander" and Michael Crichton's "Pirate Latitudes." I can honestly say that Hammond's book merits the comparison... and comes out on top in many areas.

Like many others who watched the 2003 movie "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World " starring Russell Crowe, I picked up a copy of the first in author Patrick O'Brian's 21-installment Aubrey-Maturin series of books--bearing the same title and upon which the movie was based. I must admit to being consistently challenged by the often impenetrable nautical jargon O'Brian sprinkled throughout the novel. Hammond, on the other hand, has struck the right balance of historical and lexicographical faithfulness while employing a writing style a bit less taxing for today's reader.

At times "The Power and the Glory" is also evocative of Michael Crichton's "Pirate Latitudes;" but seemed to hold together better than Crichton's posthumously published work. Hammond's narrative was extremely well crafted, much easier to follow, and benefited from a seemingly closer entwinement with historical fact. Noteworthy in this regard was Hammond's descriptions of the behind-the-scenes political and diplomatic machinations amongst the various nations and their Navies as they struggled to control sea lanes, commerce and territory across the Atlantic and Caribbean. In this regard, the background he provides on the Haitian Independence struggle is particularly fascinating.

"The Power and the Glory" will appeal to a wide audience and is a quick and enjoyable read. My only regret is that I joined Lt. Richard Cutler (the novel's main character) a bit late--starting off with Mr. Hammond's third novel instead of his first!

John Cathcart
Reviewer, Military Writers Society of America
and
Award-winning author of "Delta 7"

Bill's third book, portraying the far-reaching adventures of the seagoing Cutler family, is yet another stellar effort.
From the shores of America to Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, his ability to make us feel as if we are tranported back
to the late 1700's is remarkable. One can almost feel the swaying deck of a large sailing vessel, see large sails snapping
in the wind, or hear the clatter of feet on the cobblestone streets of Boston. Bill's own love, and deep knowledge of sailing
lends to his descriptions of sea battles, which are vivid and intensely exciting. Equally, his telling of the warm, loving
and passionate family life of the Cutlers is truly heartfelt. Whether you have a love of history or the sea, this series hits
the mark. Congatulations to Bill. Three great novels, and I cannot wait for number four.

William Hammond has again for the third time kept his reader guessing and wanting more after reading THE POWER AND THE GLORY. The Cutler family series is full of " flotsam and jetsam " for those of us who have a love for the sea, nautical stories, and American history. Once you pick up one of William Hammonds books you dont want to put it down. When I finsihed the third book, I was sad because I knew I would have to wait 10 months for the next one ( number 4 ) to be published. BZ ( bravo zulu ) William Hammond for super good book.The Power and the Glory: A Novel (Historical Nautical Fiction)For Love of CountryA Matter of Honor: A Novel

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