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Interesting
Information |
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First
published in 1997 by Macmillan. |
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UK first edition
recommended retail price: £16.99 |
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Book
dedication: This book is for Danielle Antoinette. For
thirty years your love has been my shield; your strength and courage
have been my sword. |
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Author's note: Although
this story is set in the mid-seventeenth century, the galleons and
caravels in which my characters find themselves are more usually
associated with the sixteenth century. Seventeenth-century ships
often bore a strong resemblance to those of the sixteenth century,
but as their names may be unfamiliar to the general reader, I have
used better-known, if anachronistic, terms to convey an accessible
impression of their appearance. Also, for the sake of clarity, I
have simplified terminology in respect of firearms and, as it exists
as such in common idiom, I have occasionally used the word 'cannon'
as a generic. |
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In depicting the
complex, choked relationship between Francis and his son Hal, Smith
drew upon his own relationship with his father, Herbert. I
had a very powerful, strong father. Almost Victorian, very
domineering. He instilled in me certain morals that have stood me in
good stead throughout my life - the work ethic, and the idea of
being useful. He was equipping me for life as is Hal's father, Sir
Francis, in the book. |
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 The
ship icon on the left begins each chapter. |
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 The
photo of Wilbur Smith on the dust jacket was taken by Julian Brak.
To view the photograph, click on the left thumbnail. |
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The jacket illustration
for the UK hardcover release was done by Syd Brak. |
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 To view the map
designed by Bill Gregory that was
printed on the inside front and back cover of the novel, click on
the left thumbnail. |
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