As France emerged from revolution, a young general named Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Egypt, hoping next to march overland to India. It would not happen. Britain swung her forces into action to battle for control of the world's sea-lanes and thus all international trade. The Battle of the Nile and then at Acre were the first sallies in what would be fifteen years of bitter fighting. It was a war won at sea, and by the time of Waterloo Britain had gained control and possessed the foundations of her vast empire.

Brought vividly to life through the words and stories of the ordinary people caught up in the conflict, this is a sweeping history of the years of naval warfare that set the balance of power in Europe for the following century. Taking in gallant duels, bloody battles between huge fleets, amphibious assaults, daring coastal raids, and the subtleties of espionage and naval intelligence, this global conflict truly was THE WAR FOR ALL THE OCEANS.

'This book takes us through the mammoth story of the naval struggle throughout the Napoleonic wars' EVENING HERALD
'A drama of blazing ships and broadsides ... an enjoyable coda to Trafalgar year' John Crossland, SUNDAY TIMES
'A gripping portrayal ... packed with dramatic incidents and colourful personalities' Colin White, OBSERVER
This book takes us through the mammoth story of the naval struggle throughout the Napoleonic war s' EVENING HERALD * 'A drama of blazing ships and broadsides ... an enjoyable coda to Trafalgar year’ *
John Crossland, SUNDAY TIMES * 'A gripping portrayal ... packed with dramatic incidents and colourful personalities’ *
Colin White, OBSERVER

Roy and Lesley Adkins are archaeologists and writers. They are members of the Institute of Field Archaeologists and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, and run their own independent archaeological consultancy. They have both written several books.