BADGE OF GLORY. by Reeman, Douglas. (a.k.a. Alexander Kent.) - 1982

London: Hutchinson, 1982. 366 pp, 8vo (8 3/4" H). "(T)he first novel in the (Blackwood) series, opens in August 1850, when Captain Philip Blackwood rejoins his ship, HMS Audacious. It is peacetime and although sometimes engaged in small overseas campaigns the world's mightiest navy has settled into a routine of tradition and ceremonial. With the coming of the steam age many younger officers are pressing for change and modernisation whereas their superiors for the most part see coal-fired ships as a challenge to their own power. Blackwood soon discovers that he is about to get all the action he needs as the squadron's new admiral receives orders to sail to West Africa and stamp out the remaining strongholds of slavery. Blackwood is also made to realize that there is more to leading his men that holding a firm line in battle. Love, hate, ambition and envy are forces which he must also confront. 'Per Mare - Per Terram' is the Royal Marines' proud motto, and in the heat of Africa and later in the bitter war of the Crimea Blackwood and his men must obey it without question." Slight cigarette odour, very light browning to edges of text block, small remainder mark (dot) on top of text block, small bump at bottom corner of both boards. Dust jacket has heavy browning at top edge of flaps, light browning at top/bottom of spine, minor rubbing, wrinkling at bottom of flap-folds.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good. Illus. by Terry Hadler, dust jacket art..