TV series · 1998 · ITV
Is Hornblower based on a book?
Quick answer
Yes. Hornblower is based on the works Hornblower and the Hotspur by C. S. Forester (1962) and Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by C. S. Forester (1950).
Hornblower and the Hotspur is part of the Horatio Hornblower series.
The TV series premiered in 1998 on ITV.
The book behind Hornblower
Hornblower and the Hotspur
by C. S. Forester · first published 1962 · nautical fiction
1962 novel by C. S. Forester.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower
by C. S. Forester · first published 1950 · 310 pages · nautical fiction
1950 novel by C. S. Forester.
Horatio Hornblower: books by publication date
- The Happy Return (1937)
- Flying Colours (1938)
- A Ship of the Line (1938)
- The Commodore (1945)
- Lord Hornblower (1946)
- Mr. Midshipman Hornblower (1950)
- Lieutenant Hornblower (1952)
- Hornblower and the Atropos (1953)
- Hornblower in the West Indies (1957)
- Hornblower and the Hotspur (1962)
- Hornblower and the Crisis (1967)
Common questions
Is Hornblower based on a book?
Yes. Hornblower is based on the works Hornblower and the Hotspur by C. S. Forester (1962) and Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by C. S. Forester (1950).
Who wrote the book Hornblower is based on?
Hornblower and the Hotspur was written by C. S. Forester and first published in 1962.
Is Hornblower and the Hotspur part of a series?
Yes, it is part of the Horatio Hornblower series (2 books listed below in reading order).
Should I read the book before watching?
If you like knowing the full story and characters first, read Hornblower and the Hotspur before you watch. Adaptations often change or cut plotlines, so the book is a different experience even if you've seen the TV series.
More screen adaptations of C. S. Forester's books
- Greyhound (film, 2019)
- The Pride and the Passion (film, 1957)