'[Willis has] a great gift for making complex events exceptionally clear, and an authentically salty understanding of the workings of wind, sea and rig.'

The Sunday Times

'Those who would attempt to explain a great battle at sea in the age of sail need salt water in the veins, and a skilled pen. In this marvellous book Dr Sam Willis proves that he has both.'

BBC History Magazine

'Willis is a magnificent describer of the realities of fighting ships at sea.'

The Sunday Times

'A Nautical Tour de Force... *****'

Mail on Sunday

'Enthralling, endlessly enjoyable...'

Waterstones.com

'Sam Willis really does produce beautiful books.'

Navy News

'Superbly researched.'

United States Naval Institute

'Not likely to be surpassed any time soon.'

Journal of British Studies