CAPTAIN & COMMISSIONER, Richard Woodman, UK pb 1999

This paperback is two of Richard Woodman's novels in one volume  'Captain of the Caryatid' and 'The Cruise of the Commissioner' published by Pan Books in the UK in 1999.  Book is in reasonable condition.  Massive 434 pages. Picture is of actual book.
 

SYNOPSIS:  THE CAPTAIN:  Captain Septimus Macready, commander of the lighthouse tender Carayatid, presides over the peaceful Celtic port of Porth Ardur, ruling the mariners by day and cutting a dash at the local dancing club by night.  And new Second Officer Charlie Farthing feels he has found the home he's always dreamt of.  But the peace of Porth Ardur is about to be rudely shattered by the arrival of the new Harbour Master, James St John Stainer, who wears his authority on his sleeve and wants to make his mark.  He and Macready are on a collision course....    THE COMMISSIONER:  Captain James St John Stainer has now been elected a Commissioner of Celtic Lighthouses - a position which gives him the perfect opportunity to get even with Macready.  And when the Caryatid literally steamrollers the Bishop's Islands' bakery, he seizes the chance this gives him with both hands.  Stainer is eager for power and influence, and wants to promote open-cast mining in the area.  Macready is fighting for maritime tradition, the Caryatid, and the livelihood of the locals.  As both sides build up a head of steam, it becomes clear that an explosion is inevitable...