Peter Simple

Captain Frederick Marryat (1792–1848) first attempted to run away to sea at fourteen. His father, a member of Parliament, helped him secure a midshipman’s berth on a frigate commanded by the daring Thomas Cochrane. He would go on to serve in the Royal Navy for over twenty years, in the Battle of Aix Roads and the War of 1812. When he turned his pen to naval life, he became the preeminent chronicler of British naval seamen in the great age of Nelson. His many novels were admired by such authors as Conrad, Hemingway, Thackeray, Coleridge, and Washington Irving.

Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.