An account of the nature of naval warfare in the era of the sail and the personalities involved, covering many of the most significant naval actions of the second half of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Looks at organization and tactics of fighting at sea in the period, and then examines in detail major engagements including Quiberon Bay in 1759, the Nile in 1798, and Lissa in 1811. Also examined are single-ship actions and attempts to defeat the Barbary Corsairs. Includes a wealth of b&w photos and illustrations exploring theory and practice of naval combat of the period. c. Book News Inc.

"Published in association with the National Maritime Museum." Originally published: Shepperton, Surry : I Allan Publishing, 1996. Includes index. Originally published: Shepperton, Surry : I. Allan Pub., 1996.

Chapter 1. Ships and sea fighting in the age of Nelson -- Chapter 2. Quiberon Bay, 1759 -- Chapter 3. Flamborough Head, 1779 -- Chapter 4. Frigate Bay, St Kitts, 1782 -- Chapter 5. Oars and sails in the Baltic: Svenskund, 1790 -- Chapter 6. The Battle of the Nile, 1798 -- Chapter 7. Defence against invasion by the Boulogne Flotilla -- Chapter 8. Trafalgar, 1805 -- Chapter 9. The Battle of Lissa, 1811 -- Chapter 10. Single-ship actions -- Chapter 11. Cutting out actions and bombardments: old and new navies confront the Barbary Corsairs.