Cochrane: The Real Master and Commander

I just finished David Cordingly's Cochrane, the Real Master and Commander. At first it was stupefyingly dull, but once we arrived at Basque Roads, the account became more lively. A positive aspects was his use of period sources, and an important source for this time with Francis Marryat. If you've read my posts at all, you know I have a keen affection for 'Captain Freddie.' His lively style seems to have injected some vigor into Cordingly, because there after the work becomes more engaging, and I was no longer bored.

Cordingly covers all aspects of Cochrane's life: his youth in Scotland, early career as a famous fighting frigate captain, the stock exchange scandal, Chile, Brazil, Greece, and finally back home again to be redeemed by his country. It covers his interest science and his frequent work on a rotary steam engine, the development of steamships, and other endeavors. Over all, I found it balanced. It shows us both the greedy man who quarreled constantly for prize money and honors, and the dedicated seaman beloved by sailors who called him 'Dad,' although I felt he didn't really do justice to this aspect. Like most landlubbers, he has trouble grasping the 'wooden world' of the mariner.

I have not read any other biography of Cochrane, although I have read Cochrane's own account of feats such as the Speedy vs. Gamo. As such, I found this biography to give a good overview of the man and his accomplishments and the details of his life.

I have "Cochrane: The Life And Exploits Of A Fighting Captain" by Robert Harvey which I read soon after publication about 10 years ago. I confess I found it hard going, though now I can't remember why. Certainly Cochrane was a fascinating character so there is plenty of potential for a great read.