This is a book from my library which I recently reread. It is the story of Britain's greatest frigate captain, Edward Pellew. He was the inspiration for Hornblower's fictional mentor in the C.S. Forester books and the model for Captain Jack Aubrey in the film Master and Commander. From humble beginnings Pellew rose to the highest ranks of Britain's Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, a contemporary of Nelson and usually regarded as the better sailor if not the the better naval tactician.
The book gives an incredible insight into the political world of the late 1700s and early 1800s apart from excellent descriptions of the naval engagements he participated in and the harshness of life at sea in the sail driven wooden ships of the time. A particularly interesting element is the extraordinary impact of prize money on sailors of this era. Pellew earned literally millions in today's money from the capture of enemy vessels.
A fascinating and well written book, essential reading for those interested in naval warfare at the time of Nelson and well worth a look for those interested in the political and strategic issues of the wars against Revolutionary and Imperial France.
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