The Letter of Marque

Struck off the Navy List, Jack sails the Surprise as a privateer with a crew of old hands, ex-privateers and smugglers. Jack captures the American privateer Spartan and the Spanish barque Azul, then tricks Spartan's five prizes out of Horta harbor. Next, working with HMS Tartarus, he raids Saint-Martin the night before the French frigate Diane is due to sail and takes every ship in port. Jack is shot near the spine and becomes a public hero, but he turns down a pardon because he considers himself innocent. Stephen goes to Stockholm after Diana, breaks his leg, and the two reconcile.

1. Behind the scenesAn instant US hit

   It was the first book in the series Norton published in both hardcover and paperback, in August 1990, and it sold right away.

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2. Behind the scenesGeoff Hunt's debut

   It was the first to carry Geoff Hunt's art on its first edition. Collins commissioned him in 1988, and his paintings became the face of the series.

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