H.M.S. Ulysses: Collins Advance Review Copy

Author: Maclean, Alistair
Price: £1250
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Publication Date: 1955
Format: Original wrappers
Condition: Very good
Edition: Advance Review Copy of the first edition
Pages: 320

Description:
“HMS Ulysses” is the debut novel of Alistair MacLean, first published in 1955, and it stands as one of the most powerful and realistic depictions of naval warfare during World War II. Drawing heavily on MacLean’s own experiences in the Royal Navy, the novel delivers an unflinching portrayal of the brutal conditions faced by sailors on the Arctic convoys, which transported essential supplies to the Soviet Union through some of the most treacherous seas in the world.

The story centres on the crew of the HMS Ulysses, a light cruiser assigned to escort a convoy through the Arctic Ocean. As they battle not only the relentless attacks of German forces but also the merciless cold, exhaustion, and the psychological toll of continuous warfare, the men of the Ulysses are pushed to the limits of endurance. The novel’s stark realism, combined with its deep character development, creates an intense atmosphere of tension and despair, capturing the reader’s imagination from start to finish.

HMS Ulysses is not just a war story; it is a profound exploration of human courage, camaraderie, and the cost of duty. The novel’s narrative is relentless and unsentimental, yet it is also a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in one of the most perilous aspects of the Second World War.

Critically acclaimed upon its release, HMS Ulysses established MacLean as a major talent in the genre of military and adventure fiction. The book remains a classic of war literature, admired for its authenticity, emotional depth, and the compelling portrayal of the harsh realities of naval warfare.

Condition:
Binding nice and tight. Wrappers a little nicked, marked, chipped and rubbed with short splits to the top and bottom of the front wrapper. Pages generally nice and clean. A very good, tight, clean copy overall. A very scarce proof copy of the author’s first novel.

Alistair MacLean: A Short Biography

Alistair Stuart MacLean (1922–1987) was a Scottish novelist and screenwriter, best known for his gripping thrillers and adventure stories. Born on April 21, 1922, in Shettleston, Glasgow, Scotland, MacLean grew up in Daviot, near Inverness, where he was raised speaking both English and Gaelic. His early life was marked by the harsh realities of the Great Depression, which influenced the gritty, realistic tone of his later works.

MacLean served in the Royal Navy during World War II, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing. His time as a torpedo man on various ships, including during the dangerous Arctic convoys, provided the raw material for many of his novels, which often featured naval or military themes. After the war, he returned to Scotland, where he pursued a degree in English at the University of Glasgow.

His writing career began in earnest in the 1950s when he entered a short story competition with Dileas, a piece inspired by his wartime experiences. This led to the publication of his first novel, HMS Ulysses (1955), a gripping and realistic portrayal of life on a naval ship during the war. The novel was an immediate success, establishing MacLean as a major new voice in British literature.

Following HMS Ulysses, MacLean wrote some of the most famous thrillers of the 20th century, including “The Guns of Navarone” (1957), “Ice Station Zebra” (1963), and “Where Eagles Dare” (1967). These novels were characterized by their tight plots, intense action sequences, and often featured lone heroes facing overwhelming odds. Several of his books were adapted into successful films, further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.

Despite his success, MacLean was known for his reclusive nature and often shunned the public spotlight. He preferred to let his work speak for itself, rarely giving interviews or making public appearances. His personal life was marked by periods of intense productivity, but also by struggles with alcohol, which affected both his health and his later work.

MacLean’s later novels were less well-received, with critics noting a decline in quality. Nevertheless, his early works remain classics of the thriller genre, and his influence can be seen in many subsequent authors who have sought to emulate his style.

Alistair MacLean passed away on February 2, 1987, in Munich, Germany, at the age of 64. Despite the challenges in his later years, his legacy as one of the most popular and successful thriller writers of his time endures. His books have sold over 150 million copies worldwide, and his ability to craft suspenseful, action-packed narratives has left an indelible mark on the world of popular fiction.

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