Featured battle : Cape St. Vincent

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 14 February 1797

A Spanish fleet of 27 ships-of-the-line under Admiral Cordoba were intercepted by a British fleet, 15 ships-of-the-line, under Sir John Jervis. The British attacked and took five of the Spanish ships. Nelson in H.M.S. Captain played a significant part in shaping the battle. A significant British victory.

Warships of the Napoleonic Era

Robert Gardiner
I happily confess to being a fan of Gardiner's work. His 'Frigates of the Napoleonic Wars' is a favourite of mine. This book follows the same format, a little over twelve inches square, which allows for some stunning illustrations. The content covers ships of Britain, other European powers and the U.S.A although the bulk of the text is of the Royal Navy. The writing is fluid and most readable for both the person who wants it as a reference book and a cover to cover reader like me. All through one feels the authority of the author is based on thorough research, and, for anyone who wants to go further, there is an extensive list of sources. As an aside almost all of the line drawings would allow an experienced boat modeller to create precise replicas.
This is a superb book which I cannot recommend too highly.
Seaforth Publishing, Pen & Sword Ltd., 2011