Vivian V.A. Stuart Books In Order

Publication Order of Alexander Sheridan Books

Publication Order of The Australians Books

Publication Order of Phillip Hazard Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Vivian V.A. Stuart was a popular English novelist, who was famous for writing romance, historical fiction, and military novels. She has written numerous single novels and book series in her career, the prominent ones among them being the Alexander Sherridan series and the Philip Hazard series. Author Vivian was born as Violet Vivian Finlay on January 2, 1914, in Berkshire, England, United Kingdom. Over the course of her writing career, Vivian used multiple pen names for writing her books in different genres. Among her well known pen names, there is Alex Stuart, Fiona Finlay, V.A. Stuart, Vivian Stuart, Barbara Allen, Robyn Stuart, and William Stuart Long. All these pseudonyms covered the romantic novels, military sagas, and the historical sagas. Author Vivian began her career in the writing field in 1953 and remained an established author until her death in 1986.

In 1960, author Vivian teamed up with Barbara Cartland, Denise Robins, and several others for laying the foundation of the Association of Romantic Novelists. Subsequently, Vivian was chosen to be the association’s first chairman. Vivian went on to become the first female to chair the writers’ summer school of Swanwick. Author Vivian was born to Alice Kathleen and Campbell Kirman, who was the director and owner of the Burmah Oil Company. The family was also the owner of the James Finlay & Company Ltd. For most of her childhood and young age, Vivian lived in Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar), as her father was involved in working over there. Vivian entered into marriage for a total of 4 times, and had 5 children in total.

After Vivian’s first marriage got dissolved in the 1930s, she moved to London to study Law. But, she left it to focus on a career in medicine for which she achieved admission at the London University. Vivian left medicine halfway through too and shifted to Hungary, where she hired a private tutor and earned a qualification in pathology from the Budapest University in 1938. The next year, Vivian moved to Australia along with the 2nd husband and started with him. From the Newcastle Technical Institute, Vivian got a diploma in laboratory and chemistry technique. Vivian was also involved with the Auxiliary Service of Women in the Australian Forces at the time of the Second World War for a short time. Vivian reached the rank of a sergeant and received the posting in Rangoon in 1945. She returned back to England after the war ended. It was in 1958 that Vivian married for the 4th and last time.

Her last husband was an investment banker named Cyril William Mann. The death of Violet Vivian occurred in August 1986, in Yorkshire, England, U.K. Author Vivian was able to publish her initial novels in 1953. Then, she signed up for writing romantic fiction stories as Vivian Stuart, which was her name after marriage. Vivian contributed several books to this genre with a few of her pen names as well. In a number of her romance books, she has protagonized the lead characters as doctors and nurses. Her stories are set in different places, including Australia, Asia, and other places visited by her. One of Vivian’s novels, Gay Cavalier, caused problems between her editors at Mills & Boon and her.

In the story, Vivian had added a secondary storyline that featured a Catholic male character and a Protestant female, who entered into marriage. Because of the depiction of this mixed marriage, there was a huge outrage among the readers in the UK at that time. However, things smoothened after some time and Vivian continued to write other romance novels.

A highly famous book series written by author Vivian V.A. Stuart is known as the Phillip Hazard series. This series is comprised of 8 books in total, which were released between the years 1965 and 1976. All the books of this series feature the chief protagonist in the role of Phillip Hazard, who is shown as serving on the frigate called Trojan. Author Vivian has depicted Phillip Hazard as a brave soldier, who serves during the time of war in the British navy and rises to the rank of the First Lieutenant. The debut book of the series is entitled ‘The Valiant Sailors’. It was released by the McBooks Press publishing in the year 2003.

At the start of the book’s story, it is shown that Russia and Turkey have declared war against each other and frigate Trojan sails through the war-stricken regions on its way to the Black Sea. On board this frigate, there is a mysterious passenger in the form of a young lady. The Admiralty has ordered the frigate’s crew members that the identity of this mysterious woman must be kept concealed at all costs. When Phillip Hazard sees the woman for the first time, he feels captivated by her charm and beauty. But, his mind seems concerned about a more serious problem at hand, that is, that captain of the Trojan. Phillip Hazard learns the captain is a sadistic person and behaves insanely. Because of such condition of the frigate’s captain, Phillip Hazard worries about the safety of frigate and its crew members. After trying to sort out things in other ways, Phillip finally decides to take the control in his own and face whatever comes ahead.

The second installment of this exciting book series is called ‘The Brave Captains’. It was also published by the McBooks Press in 2003. Phillip Hazard is once again shown at the center of the plot, trying to find ways to tackle the Russian attack on his frigate named Trojan. At the beginning of the story of the book, it is depicted that the cavalry of the Russians gears up to call in a full scale attack to their plan of seizing Balaclava a success. When the British forces learn about the plans of the Russians, they begin to look for desperate ways to prevent the huge attack. They clearly look outnumbered against the Russian force and wish to get some reinforcements.

Until that happens, they must keep holding their ground and not let the enemies capture Balaclava. A point comes when the British forces begin hoping for an act of heroism from one of their own. And when the hopes of the arrival of help start to diminish, Phillip Hazard steps forward and takes the command in his own hands. He moves ahead with all his men, dodging the Russian Cossacks and bursting shells, just to prove that his men can fight with as much bravery on land as they can at sea.