Great read about a largely forgotten sailor who was arguably a better seaman, a better tactician and a better diplomat than his dear friend Nelson, but has been completely overshadowed by the hero of Trafalgar. Collingwood was a meticulous plodder compared to Nelson's impetuous dash, a devoted family man to Nelson's notorious fling with Lady Hamilton, but he arguably did more to bring Napoleon to heel than Nelson. After Trafalgar it was Collingwood who kept the French at bay in the Mediterranean for 5 years, while Napoleon plotted to add Italy and Spain to his empire and turn the Med into a French lake. Eventually his devotion to duty killed him, after 40 years of loyal service, he died at sea on his way home to see his family after 6 years absence. A great book, a cracking read about the age of fighting sail, and a wonderful testament to a great sailor who deserves much more recognition than he's received. ( )

Great Englishman and sailor - under appreciated and scarcely written about. ( )