Set in 1799 during the continuing Caribbean struggle with France, Ramage's Diamond sends the newly promoted Captain Nicholas Ramage to Martinique and the stark volcanic rock that gives the novel its title. His task is tied to the blockade of French forces around Fort Royal, but command of HMS Juno brings a problem before the enemy is even engaged: a crew made restless and unreliable under its previous drunken captain.
Ramage has to restore discipline without destroying morale, then use a ship whose fighting efficiency is still uncertain in demanding operations close to a hostile coast. Pope combines the technical problems of blockade, shore batteries and manoeuvre with the human work of rebuilding a damaged ship's company. The Caribbean setting gives the campaign a different rhythm from fleet warfare in European waters, with isolated bases and local initiative placing greater weight on a captain's judgment.
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