Explores the critical elements that determined the war at sea, including campaign strategies, vessel design, tactics, and technology.

"Covering the classic era of sailing ship warfare from the mid-eighteenth century to the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, this illustrated book examines how Nelson's navy came to dominate the high seas and how warships were constructed, sailed, and fought in a time made popular today by the novels of Patrick O'Brian and C. S. Forester. Bernard Ireland discusses single-ship actions, fleet operations, famous commanders, and the day-to-day routines...