An intimate portrait of a forgotten commander of Britain's maritime golden age, which brings to authentic life the world of Jack Aubrey and Horatio Hornblower From the day he went to sea as a 13-year-old boy to his death (at sea) aged 62, Admiral Collingwood—a great friend of Nelson—kept a diary. His diaries, letters, and recently discovered log books enable us to hear his story in his own words. Collingwood fought in almost every major sea battle of the era and rose from humble midshipman to Admiral. He became Britain's "minister at sea" for five years, effectively running the Mediterranean war effort. His grasp of military, economic, and diplomatic affairs was remarkable given his complete lack of conventional education. His service began with the American War of Independence and ended when victory over Napoleon's navy was assured. He wrote the victory despatch the night after Trafalgar. The story of his life is that of the navy throughout the glory years of the Age of Sail—the world of fictional admirals Jack Aubrey, Horatio Hornblower, and Richard Bolitho.