Rodney (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Originally published in 1891, Rodney is the biography of George Brydges Rodney, the most famous and controversial of the generation of English admirals before Nelson and best known for his commands in the American War of Independence. David Hannay’s thorough study traces Rodney’s life from his birth through his military exploits during the American Revolution and in the West Indies, even admitting some of the Admiral’s shortcomings and self-aggrandizement, which Rodney eventually had to face up to in the Admiralty Court.