C. S. Forester, a literary titan of the mid-twentieth century, is revered for his creation of the iconic British naval hero Horatio Hornblower. Despite a prolific output exceeding fifty books, Forester remains an enigmatic figure, with his life and personal truths shrouded in mystery and self-fabrication. His influence spans beyond literature, touching cultural creations as varied as television and film.

Early Life

Charles S. Forester’s life unfolded like one of his intricate plots, permeated with deception and drama. Born Cecil Lewis Troughton Smith in Egypt to British parents George Foster Smith and Sarah Medhurst Troughton, his early years were colored by suspicion and family discord. Forester’s autobiography, Long Before Forty, while largely unreliable, provides glimpses into his troubled family dynamics. His mother, disenchanted and alcoholic, relocated the family to London, leaving his father behind in Egypt, which fueled Forester’s disdain for his familial roots and fueled his imagination with thoughts of being part Egyptian.

Despite familial instability, Forester developed a voracious reading habit, consuming books daily and fostering a fascination with military history. His early academic prowess and disciplined study habits were only the first indicators of a sharp intellect he would later channel into his literary pursuits. These formative years, however chaotic, embedded themes of dysfunction and inner turmoil in Forester's psyche, which would later manifest in his fiction.

At seventeen, Forester faced the emotional turmoil of being unfit for World War I military service due to a heart condition. This exclusion from the battlefield during such a pivotal era haunted him, as seen in works like Brown on Resolution, where recurring themes of military valor and personal sacrifice reflect his struggle with guilt over his non-participation in the war.

Forester briefly attended medical school, following in his brother's footsteps, but found his passion lacking and soon abandoned the pursuit for a literary career. His early attempts to establish himself as a writer were fraught with financial insecurity and familial constraints, yet he persisted, fueled by an indomitable spirit.

Literary Career

Forester’s entrance into the literary world was as dramatic as the stories he would come to pen. Initially writing with fervor and little regard for narrative structure, he produced several manuscripts, ultimately leading to the publication of A Pawn Among Kings and The Paid Piper. During this time, he adopted the pseudonym "C. S. Forester," distancing himself from his real identity and the anonymity of "Smith."

His initial foray into “hack” biographical writing, spurred by a commission to write about Napoleon Bonaparte, was short-lived but valuable. This phase helped refine his storytelling abilities and instilled a disciplined approach to writing, although he later disavowed these works. The years following saw Forester expanding his literary repertoire with novels, plays, and children's literature, culminating in the critical success of Payment Deferred, which marked his ascent as a public figure.

The 1930s further cemented his reputation with works set during the Napoleonic wars, such as Death to the French and The Gun. His acclaimed novel, The African Queen, showcased his ability to weave romance and adventure against the backdrop of World War I, contributing significantly to his literary legacy.

An excursion to Hollywood in the mid-1930s, although marked by personal scandal, led to the conception of his most beloved creation—Horatio Hornblower. Born from the wild landscapes of Central America encountered during a voyage, Hornblower embodies Forester’s idealized self-image: a master strategist, unyielding in courage, and modestly unaware of his allure.

The Hornblower Saga

The Happy Return (1937) introduced readers to Hornblower, transporting them to Central America amid geopolitical turmoil, with his heroism subtly downplayed in...