COLOURS ALOFT! by Kent, Alexander. (pseud. of Douglas Reeman.) - 1986

London: Hutchinson, 1986. 286 pp, 8vo (8 3/4" H). The sixteenth Richard Bolitho novel. "With the exception of Nelson himself, the recently-knighted Bolitho is the youngest admiral on the Navy list, but his new status sits uneasily upon his shoulders along with his new command. For the most part the officers of his hastily-formed squadron lack experience, whereas their French counterparts are well-trained and confident. And Bolitho is a man plagued by worry about the coolness behind his recent parting with his beautiful wife Belinda. What lies ahead is the reality of war at close quarters - where Bolitho will be called upon to anticipate the overall intention of the French fleet. And where, not for the first time, his own human reactions and the dictates of his position will be at odds. But it is the realisation that the battle has come to a personal vendetta - between himself and the French admiral who formerly sailed 'Argonaute' (the captured ship Bolitho himself now commands) - that drives Bolitho and his men to a final rendezvous where no quarter is asked or given." Light wrinkling at bottom of spine, very light browning to edges of text block, tiny stain on bottom edge of rear board. Dust jacket has minor edge wrinkling, very light edge browning.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good. Illus. by Brian Sweet, jacket art..