Picture a Welsh storyteller who sailed the stormy seas of the 17th century through his pen—meet J.D. Davies! Born in coastal Llanelli, Wales, Davies transformed his lifelong passion for naval history into gripping maritime historical fiction. His acclaimed Matthew Quinton series, set in the tumultuous Royal Navy of Charles II’s era, blends meticulous research with swashbuckling adventure, earning him comparisons to C.J. Sansom and a devoted following among history buffs and fiction lovers alike.
With a knack for bringing forgotten naval battles to life, Davies has carved a unique niche in historical fiction. From his early days as a teacher to his rise as a celebrated author and historian, his journey is as captivating as the tales he spins. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this maritime maestro!
The Making of J.D. Davies
Born on April 1, 1957, in Llanelli, a Welsh town where the sea’s call was impossible to ignore, J.D. Davies grew up exploring the rugged coast and old docks. Family trips to Portsmouth sparked a fascination with warships, planting the seeds for his future career. Educated at Llanelli Boys’ Grammar School and Jesus College, Oxford, Davies earned a DPhil in 17th-century naval history, honing his expertise in the Restoration Navy. His time as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Naval Reserve) and teaching stints in Cornwall and Bedford further fueled his love for maritime lore, inspiring him to trade chalkboards for manuscripts in 2004.
J.D. Davies’s Unforgettable Stories
Davies’s flagship creation, The Journals of Matthew Quinton, is an eight-book series (plus a novella, Ensign Royal) that follows the adventures of Matthew Quinton, a young ‘gentleman captain’ thrust into command despite his lack of seafaring experience. Set against the backdrop of the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the Plague of 1665, and the Great Fire of London, novels like Gentleman Captain (2010) and The Mountain of Gold (2011) weave historical accuracy with political intrigue and high-seas action. Critics, including The Times, praise the series for its ‘real panache,’ likening Quinton to Hornblower and Aubrey.
Beyond Quinton, Davies’s Jack Stannard of the Navy Royal trilogy explores the Tudor era, tracing a seafaring family from the Mary Rose to the Spanish Armada. His newer Philippe Kermorvant series, starting with Sailor of Liberty (2023), offers a French perspective on the Napoleonic Wars. Davies’s style—rich in period detail, character-driven, and thrilling—brings the ‘early modern’ navy to vivid life, appealing to readers who crave both education and entertainment.
His non-fiction, including the award-winning Pepys’s Navy (2008) and Kings of the Sea (2017), showcases his scholarly prowess, while Britannia’s Dragon: A Naval History of Wales (2013) celebrates his Welsh roots. Each work reflects Davies’s ability to make history accessible and engaging.
Why J.D. Davies Matters
J.D. Davies has revitalized interest in the 17th-century Royal Navy, a pivotal yet underexplored era. His novels not only entertain but also educate, shedding light on the origins of Britain’s naval dominance. By blending rigorous research with relatable characters, he bridges the gap between academic history and popular fiction, inspiring readers to explore the past. His leadership in the Society for Nautical Research and contributions to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography cement his influence in maritime scholarship.
As a Welsh author, Davies also champions his heritage, weaving Celtic pride into works like Britannia’s Dragon. His storytelling resonates with readers worldwide, proving that niche genres can have universal appeal.
- Born: April 1, 1957, Llanelli, Wales
- Key Works: Gentleman Captain, The Mountain of Gold, Pepys’s Navy, Sailor of Liberty
- Awards: Samuel Pepys Award (2009), Anderson Prize (2017), Julian Corbett Prize (1986)
- Fun Fact: Davies once served as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Combined Cadet Force, giving him firsthand naval experience!
Ready to set sail with a master storyteller? Snag Gentleman Captain and dive into J.D. Davies’s thrilling world of maritime adventure!