Jason Koivu's Reviews > Cochrane: The Real Master and Commander

What an incredible naval career! If his worst enemy wasn't himself, his name would be up there with Nelson!

Cordingly put together a highly readable account of the man's life. It was a life with dramatic twists and turns, and he captured them all in a highly readable prose and with great pacing.

I read this mainly because I'm a huge fan of Patrick O'Brian's Master & Commander seafaring series, because it was said that O'Brian modeled his hero after Cochrane. Well, after reading this, I can say he didn't model him, he Xeroxed him. Why wouldn't you? The drama and intrigue is all laid out for you. The way in which O'Brian then expanded upon Cochrane's life is what makes the series a masterpiece.