Alexander Kent

Author:
Alexander Kent

Date of birth: 15-Oct-1924
Place of birth: Thames Ditton, Surrey, England UK

About the author:
Alexander Kent is the well-known pen name of Douglas Reeman (1924–2017), a British author celebrated for his vivid and action-packed historical naval fiction, particularly the long-running Richard Bolitho series. Writing as Kent, Reeman brought the Age of Sail to life, drawing on his own extensive naval experience to infuse his stories with realism, drama, and historical authenticity.

Born on October 15, 1924, in Thames Ditton, Surrey, England, Reeman joined the Royal Navy at age 16 during World War II. He served as a midshipman and later returned to the navy during the Korean War. His military background deeply informed his writing, helping him accurately portray the discipline, strategy, and dangers of life at sea.

Under the pseudonym Alexander Kent, Reeman published To Glory We Steer in 1968, the first in the Richard Bolitho series, set during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The novels follow Bolitho’s rise through the Royal Navy, beginning as a young midshipman and eventually becoming an admiral. The series captures not only sea battles and naval tactics but also the moral and emotional complexities faced by officers during wartime.

The Bolitho series grew to over 30 novels and gained a dedicated international readership, often compared to the works of C.S. Forester and Patrick O’Brian. Reeman also wrote over 30 other novels under his real name, typically set during the two world wars and focused on the Royal Navy’s 20th-century exploits.

Douglas Reeman passed away on January 23, 2017, at the age of 92. He left behind a legacy of compelling naval fiction that continues to be celebrated by fans of maritime history and adventure.