The Sea Warriors by Richard Woodman

For the person who enjoys HNF in the AOS, but has neither the time nor inclination to read multiple factual books on the subject as covered in the period 1793-1815, I strongly recommend this book. The "real action" you read about during this period is carried on, to the greatest extent, by the frigates and that is the total focus of this book.

Publisher's comments: " The Sea Warriors is the true story of the great sea captains of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the men who spent long, arduous years away from their homes fighting for King and country, to win and hold control of the seas.

Richard Woodman skillfully dissects the events of the war years, centering on the 'cruizer' war, that struggle between opposing frigates which meant the blockade of enemy ports, interception of enemy trade and the protection of Britain's merchant ships. The whole magnificent sweep of the political background of the Napoleonic wars and the sea war with America."

Starting with the flyleaf diagrams of HMS Seahorse and her suit of 26 ordinary sails, and finishing with the Chronology of the main events during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars, a full Bibliography for those wishing to do futher study, an explanation of sailing and other terms and brief glossary and a detailed index. This is as close to a "one book" reference library for the "non-military-history student" as I think you will find. I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable read as Woodman used all the right words and put them in just the right places.

http://www.historicnavalfiction.com/general/aos-naval-non-fiction/biographical/bflist/1551-the-sea-warriors

It's in my library.

Agree. Especially useful for the reader who has never been a sailor.. not even in a Pram!