John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin

Fitzroy

Robert Fitzroy is known as the captain of the HMS Beagle on the voyage which started Charles Darwin's development of the theory of evolution. Apart from that, all that we generally hear about Fitzroy is that he committed suicide (with the implication that this was to do with Darwin's ideas). In Fitzroy John and Mary Gribbin tell us about the Beagle voyage, but also look at the rest of his life, showing that he was in fact much more than just 'Darwin's Captain'. This is the story of Fitzroy the original thinker, who didn't fit in well with the bureaucracy of the time.

Hence we find how, on a voyage, Fitzroy would finance something out of his own pocket, with the hope that he would be recompensed when its necessity became clear. Unfortunately he often wasn't and so had financial problems for much of his life. We hear about his governership of New Zealand, where he tried to protect the Maori rights against the landgrabbing of the new settlers, but with woefully insufficient resources. We also find that he instituted weather forecasts at the Met. Office, again struggling with officialdom. Often the wisdom of his ideas would only be recognised much later, so his successors got the glory. Fitzroy did much of note which tends to be eclipsed by the Darwin connection, and this well written book does an excellent job of making his achievements more visible.

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Hardcover 352 pages
ISBN: 0300103611
Salesrank: 849721
Weight:1.45 lbs

Published: 2004 Yale University Press

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Hardcover 336 pages
ISBN: 0755311817
Salesrank: 109059
Weight:1.46 lbs

Published: 2003 Headline Review

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Hardcover 352 pages
ISBN: 0300103611
Salesrank: 693039
Weight:1.45 lbs

Published: 2004 Yale University Press

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Book Description
The name of Robert FitzRoy, captain of the Beagle, is forever linked with that of his most famous passenger, Charles Darwin. This exceptionally interesting biography brings FitzRoy out of Darwin’s shadow for the first time, revealing a man who experienced high adventure, suffered tragic disappointments, and—as the inventor of weather forecasting—saved the lives of countless fellow mariners. John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin draw a detailed portrait of FitzRoy, recounting the wide range of his accomplishments and exploring the motivations that drove him. As a very young and successful commander in the British navy, FitzRoy’s life was in the mold of a Patrick O’Brian novel. Later disappointments, including an unpopular tenure as governor of New Zealand and a sense of dismay over his own contributions to Darwin’s ideas of evolution, troubled FitzRoy. Even his groundbreaking accomplishments in meteorological science failed to satisfy his high personal expectations, and in 1865 FitzRoy committed suicide at the age of sixty. This biography focuses well-deserved attention on FitzRoy’s status as a scientist and seaman, affirming that his was a life which, despite its sorrowful end, encompassed many more successes than failures.

Book Description

The name of Robert FitzRoy, captain of the Beagle, is forever linked with that of his most famous passenger, Charles Darwin. This exceptionally interesting biography brings FitzRoy out of Darwin’s shadow for the first time, revealing a man who experienced high adventure, suffered tragic disappointments, and—as the inventor of weather forecasting—saved the lives of countless fellow mariners.
John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin draw a detailed portrait of FitzRoy, recounting the wide range of his accomplishments and exploring the motivations that drove him. As a very young and successful commander in the British navy, FitzRoy’s life was in the mold of a Patrick O’Brian novel. Later disappointments, including an unpopular tenure as governor of New Zealand and a sense of dismay over his own contributions to Darwin’s ideas of evolution, troubled FitzRoy. Even his groundbreaking accomplishments in meteorological science failed to satisfy his high personal expectations, and in 1865 FitzRoy committed suicide at the age of sixty. This biography focuses well-deserved attention on FitzRoy’s status as a scientist and seaman, affirming that his was a life which, despite its sorrowful end, encompassed many more successes than failures.

A Man Who Deserves to be Remembered *****
If not for anything else he did in his life, this man should be remembered for setting up the first weather forecasting service in England during the middle nineteenth century. That he was the Captain of the "Beagle" when Charles Darwin sailed on it as 'naturalist'; is not half as important as he was the one who set in motion the random currents that caused Darwin to be on the ship for its' full five year plus voyage. He was a remarkable man who because he was also humble and self-effacing never ended up getting the critical acclaim that his life's work demanded. His five year voyage on the "Beagle" resulted in the most detailed mapping of the South American continent from the Plate to Valpariso, and especially the area around Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. So detailed were his maps that they were used for over 100 years. During the voyage, he also determined all of the meridians and set-up their places on maps by which other sailors were able to determine their place anywhere on the earth at any time. Later, he devised a system by which ships could be signaled at sea that a major storm was brewing created the "gale warning" system. His work on meteorology was the first to use telegraphy to coordinate the capture of weather statistics so that information could be printed in newspapers the same day. He also devised the first two day weather forecasting, including the coining of the word 'forecast'. The story of his life and accomplishments is well written, and well documented, besides being entertainingly presented. Great Biography.

A Man Who Deserves to be Remembered *****

If not for anything else he did in his life, this man should be remembered for setting up the first weather forecasting service in England during the middle nineteenth century. That he was the Captain of the "Beagle" when Charles Darwin sailed on it as 'naturalist'; is not half as important as he was the one who set in motion the random currents that caused Darwin to be on the ship for its' full five year plus voyage.

He was a remarkable man who because he was also humble and self-effacing never ended up getting the critical acclaim that his life's work demanded. His five year voyage on the "Beagle" resulted in the most detailed mapping of the South American continent from the Plate to Valpariso, and especially the area around Cape Horn and the Straits of Magellan. So detailed were his maps that they were used for over 100 years.

During the voyage, he also determined all of the meridians and set-up their places on maps by which other sailors were able to determine their place anywhere on the earth at any time. Later, he devised a system by which ships could be signaled at sea that a major storm was brewing created the "gale warning" system. His work on meteorology was the first to use telegraphy to coordinate the capture of weather statistics so that information could be printed in newspapers the same day. He also devised the first two day weather forecasting, including the coining of the word 'forecast'.

The story of his life and accomplishments is well written, and well documented, besides being entertainingly presented. Great Biography.

Robert FitzRoy: One of the nineteenth century's greatest seamen ****
This work, by John and Mary Gribbin, combines a deep respect for Robert FitzRoy and his achievements with sound research. The end result is a book that is accessible to anyone with an interest in this complex and multi-faceted man. Described by Charles Darwin as being 'A very extraordinary person', Robert FitzRoy served Britain as a naval captain (most famously as Captain of HMS Beagle), as a Governor of New Zealand, and in the field of weather forecasting. While covering the voyages of HMS Beagle, this book provides information on FitzRoy's governorship of New Zealand as well as his achievements in weather forecasting. Along the way, we obtain glimpses of the struggle between a greater understanding of science and a deep innate religious conservatism. Robert FitzRoy tragically took his own life a few months before his 60th birthday. A fascinating book about a fascinating man. Highly recommended Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Robert FitzRoy: One of the nineteenth century's greatest seamen ****

This work, by John and Mary Gribbin, combines a deep respect for Robert FitzRoy and his achievements with sound research. The end result is a book that is accessible to anyone with an interest in this complex and multi-faceted man.

Described by Charles Darwin as being 'A very extraordinary person', Robert FitzRoy served Britain as a naval captain (most famously as Captain of HMS Beagle), as a Governor of New Zealand, and in the field of weather forecasting.

While covering the voyages of HMS Beagle, this book provides information on FitzRoy's governorship of New Zealand as well as his achievements in weather forecasting. Along the way, we obtain glimpses of the struggle between a greater understanding of science and a deep innate religious conservatism. Robert FitzRoy tragically took his own life a few months before his 60th birthday.

A fascinating book about a fascinating man.

Highly recommended

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Great Source ****
I got this book because I am playing Fitzroy in Timberlake Wertenbakers play After Darwin. It has a wealth of information on the good Captain and enabled me to find a pathway into his mind that would not have had otherwise. The combination of excepts from the Narrative, Sullivan and Usborne's journals, and the record of Darwin himself paint an honorable picture that Fitroy would have been happy with. The recounting of the loss of a ship to the Fuegians on the voage preceeding Darwin is particuary interesting.

Great Source ****

I got this book because I am playing Fitzroy in Timberlake Wertenbakers play After Darwin. It has a wealth of information on the good Captain and enabled me to find a pathway into his mind that would not have had otherwise. The combination of excepts from the Narrative, Sullivan and Usborne's journals, and the record of Darwin himself paint an honorable picture that Fitroy would have been happy with. The recounting of the loss of a ship to the Fuegians on the voage preceeding Darwin is particuary interesting.

A man who gave so much and deserved so much more. *****
The father of weather forecasts and explorer of South America. Robert FitzRoy will be remembered by me. This book tells us about a great British aristocrat who gave more than he took. I love Patrick O'Brian and this could have been his but it is real story about a real person. FitzRoy was a remarkable man who history has pushed back to the shadows and labeled Darwin's Captain. FitzRoy, whose family is descended from Charles II, becomes a beloved British Man-o-war Captain, explorer, politician and eventual Vice Admiral. Mr. Gribbin gives us a picture of one of the last explorers and scientific innovators who charts South America, tries to support native rights in New Zealand and gives the world weather forecasting, yet is forgotten. His end did not justify his life. He was an amazing man who deserved more. He was faithful to his family, his country and religion. A good man and a great read.

A man who gave so much and deserved so much more. *****

The father of weather forecasts and explorer of South America. Robert FitzRoy will be remembered by me. This book tells us about a great British aristocrat who gave more than he took. I love Patrick O'Brian and this could have been his but it is real story about a real person. FitzRoy was a remarkable man who history has pushed back to the shadows and labeled Darwin's Captain. FitzRoy, whose family is descended from Charles II, becomes a beloved British Man-o-war Captain, explorer, politician and eventual Vice Admiral. Mr. Gribbin gives us a picture of one of the last explorers and scientific innovators who charts South America, tries to support native rights in New Zealand and gives the world weather forecasting, yet is forgotten. His end did not justify his life. He was an amazing man who deserved more. He was faithful to his family, his country and religion. A good man and a great read.

Voyages of the Beagle *****
The figure of Fitzroy lurks in the background of the Darwin saga and it is actually quite refreshing to draw him out on this score, both because of the interest in his life and work on its own terms and also for the light it throws on Darwin's early explorations in biology. Fitzroy's achievements in weather forecasting are little known, and his contribution to Darwin's education no doubt proceeds indirectly from the context of disciplined and meticulous scientific work in the Beagle's prime mission.

Voyages of the Beagle *****

The figure of Fitzroy lurks in the background of the Darwin saga and it is actually quite refreshing to draw him out on this score, both because of the interest in his life and work on its own terms and also for the light it throws on Darwin's early explorations in biology. Fitzroy's achievements in weather forecasting are little known, and his contribution to Darwin's education no doubt proceeds indirectly from the context of disciplined and meticulous scientific work in the Beagle's prime mission.

Wasn't he the captain of Darwin's ship? *****
And that about covers it for most people. Well Darwin was extremely lucky that he was second choice as a companion for the Captain of the Beagle who was setting off to survey the seas around Cape Horn. Darwin gave fair credit to Fitzroy but probably didn't appreciate he was priviledged to sail with one of our great seamen. This book is not the first to extoll the virtues of Capt. FitzRoy but for the general reader may well be the best. The authors' credentials are such that they could well have submerged the man under the minutae of his 'trade' but not at all. The book is written in an engaging style, almost avuncular in parts (with apologies to Mary Gribbin as I do not know the equivalent feminine word) but in no way patronising. In fact you almost wonder if you are going to be asked for your opinion at times. What I am trying to imply is that the book is so well written you are not aware until afterwards just how much you have learnt from it. When you have read this book for you FitzRoy will no longer be under Darwin's shadow. You will be able to join the ranks of those who see him as a great man in his own rights. What the ludicrous ban on mercury will imply for the preservation of his barometers only underlines the fact that the daftness of politicians has not lessened one wit from the days of the good captain. I commend the opinions of the other reviewers.

Wasn't he the captain of Darwin's ship? *****

And that about covers it for most people. Well Darwin was extremely lucky that he was second choice as a companion for the Captain of the Beagle who was setting off to survey the seas around Cape Horn. Darwin gave fair credit to Fitzroy but probably didn't appreciate he was priviledged to sail with one of our great seamen. This book is not the first to extoll the virtues of Capt. FitzRoy but for the general reader may well be the best. The authors' credentials are such that they could well have submerged the man under the minutae of his 'trade' but not at all.
The book is written in an engaging style, almost avuncular in parts (with apologies to Mary Gribbin as I do not know the equivalent feminine word) but in no way patronising. In fact you almost wonder if you are going to be asked for your opinion at times.
What I am trying to imply is that the book is so well written you are not aware until afterwards just how much you have learnt from it. When you have read this book for you FitzRoy will no longer be under Darwin's shadow. You will be able to join the ranks of those who see him as a great man in his own rights.
What the ludicrous ban on mercury will imply for the preservation of his barometers only underlines the fact that the daftness of politicians has not lessened one wit from the days of the good captain.
I commend the opinions of the other reviewers.

FitzRoy - not merely captain of the 'Beagle' *****
Robert FitzRoy's contribution to science, exploration and humanity was never fully acknowledged in his lifetime. Nor were the half million hand-written words he transcribed about his survey work and voyages. Being the Captain of HMS Beagle which carried amongst its scientific crew the young, Charles Darwin, Fitzroy's work, when published was dwarfed by the publication of Darwin's 'Origin of the Species'. It was as recently as 2002 that Fitroy was acknowledged for the invention and instigation of a weatherforcasting system - a system which at the time of its first presentation to British Parliament was received with laugher in the House. I purchased 'Fitzroy' by John and Mary Gribbin because I love tall ship adventures and I wanted to retrace a voyage I took to the nether regions on South America. I found 'FitzRoy' to be far more than a sea story. It is not only a well researched biography of a truly remarkable man, but a page-turning narrative of sailing and survey work in uncharted, inhospitable territories. 'FitzRoy' is an intriguing adventure and travelogue rolled into one. This review is based on the hardback version.

FitzRoy - not merely captain of the 'Beagle' *****

Robert FitzRoy's contribution to science, exploration and humanity was never fully acknowledged in his lifetime. Nor were the half million hand-written words he transcribed about his survey work and voyages. Being the Captain of HMS Beagle which carried amongst its scientific crew the young, Charles Darwin, Fitzroy's work, when published was dwarfed by the publication of Darwin's 'Origin of the Species'. It was as recently as 2002 that Fitroy was acknowledged for the invention and instigation of a weatherforcasting system - a system which at the time of its first presentation to British Parliament was received with laugher in the House.
I purchased 'Fitzroy' by John and Mary Gribbin because I love tall ship adventures and I wanted to retrace a voyage I took to the nether regions on South America. I found 'FitzRoy' to be far more than a sea story. It is not only a well researched biography of a truly remarkable man, but a page-turning narrative of sailing and survey work in uncharted, inhospitable territories. 'FitzRoy' is an intriguing adventure and travelogue rolled into one.
This review is based on the hardback version.

A skilful work about a brilliant man. *****
Most people know the story of Darwin's travels, and the discoveries that led to his great theory. But few people know about the man who captained the ship - and so much more. This is in a way a science book - but only in a way. It is also an adventure story which really brought to life for me a time and a way of thinking. As skilfully written as an adventure story, and yet deadly informative too about the era and about a fascinating man. I Loved It!

A skilful work about a brilliant man. *****

Most people know the story of Darwin's travels, and the discoveries that led to his great theory. But few people know about the man who captained the ship - and so much more. This is in a way a science book - but only in a way. It is also an adventure story which really brought to life for me a time and a way of thinking. As skilfully written as an adventure story, and yet deadly informative too about the era and about a fascinating man. I Loved It!

A man of many parts *****
I bought this book because I knew Robert Fitzroy was the Captain of the Beagle when Charles Darwin sailed round the world. I didn't know how much else he did -- governor of New Zealnd, inventor of weather forecasting, and so much else. He comes across as a real person, a man of integrity but tortured by self-doubts, who achieved so much. The book gives a real feel for Fitzroy as a person and his life and ultimately tragic times in Victorian England. It's as good as reading Patrick O'Brien, but its all true! Easily John Griobbin's best book, perhaps thanks to the influence of his co-author. Charles Hardin

A man of many parts *****

I bought this book because I knew Robert Fitzroy was the Captain of the Beagle when Charles Darwin sailed round the world. I didn't know how much else he did -- governor of New Zealnd, inventor of weather forecasting, and so much else. He comes across as a real person, a man of integrity but tortured by self-doubts, who achieved so much. The book gives a real feel for Fitzroy as a person and his life and ultimately tragic times in Victorian England. It's as good as reading Patrick O'Brien, but its all true! Easily John Griobbin's best book, perhaps thanks to the influence of his co-author.

Charles Hardin