Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Edward Riou (1762-1801) was a sea officer in the British Royal Navy. As a midshipman, he participated in the third voyage of Captain James Cook. He gained popular acclaim for saving HMS Guardian after she had struck an iceberg. Riou was killed in the Battle of Copenhagen (1801). Lord Nelson lamented Riou's death as an irreparable loss. Later authors alluded to him as a perfect naval officer.
This biography sheds new light on Riou's notions of his duty as a King's officer and on his methods to enforce cleanliness and discipline aboard the ships he commanded. It introduces dissenting appraisals by men who served under him. As a microhistorical study, this biography analyses Riou's leadership style and puts him into his social context by comparing him with his fellow officers.
Synopsis
Edward Riou was a sea officer in the British Royal Navy who served with James Cook, saved HMS Guardian and was killed in the Battle of Copenhagen while under the command of Lord Nelson. This microhistorical study analyses his notions of duty, discipline and leadership and compares them with those of his fellow officers.