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Cochrane: The Life and Exploits of a Fighting Captain
A colorful account of the adventures of an English naval captain recreates the life and times of Thomas Cochrane, the man who served as the inspiration for novelist Patrick O'Brian's fiction.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 18, 2025
To understand the hierarchy and upward mobility of a career onboard a ship of the line in the Napoleonic age, whom better to acquire and gain this task from then that of following the life of Admiral Thomas Cochrane. With a decades-long history and reputation of conquering foes and even entire countries both on the ocean and in far-off distant lands, Cochrane was indeed a force of nature to be reckoned with. Historian Robert Harvey makes it clear that apart from ill-timed instances of personal misjudgment, Cochrane was both used and neglected by his own naval admiralty and acquaintances throughout his successful (and at times controversial) legacy.
Following a timeline from birth to death, we find Cochrane coming from a line of distinguished soldiers: with one having fought in the French and Indian War, and another serving as aide-de-camp to Cornwallis during the British surrender at Yorktown. It is from here that his illustrious career unfolds, where his uncle—a well regarded captain in his own right—enlists him on-board with the standing of midshipman. Cochrane quickly climbs the ranks, taking command of his own ship and daring to terrorize the very shores of France, where he becomes famous for his energetic ingenuity and bold maneuvering—the likes of which are based and expanded upon in such famous novels as C.S. Forester’s Hornblower saga, and Patrick O’Brian’s memorable masterpiece, the Aubrey-Maturin series. Harvey’s writing and stylish manner of capturing the intensity of battles is shown evenly, as Cochrane alone takes on multiple French pursuers in a somewhat handicapped vessel:
The corvettes concluded that the ship was fully manned. They turned tail and the Pallas set off in pursuit, firing its two forward guns- the only ones that were crewed, but the corvettes had no way of knowing that the ship was not capable of delivering a full broadside. In their headlong flight, each of the corvettes ran aground, either deliberately to avoid capture, or because of the difficulty of navigation in the area.
Harvey goes on to cover in its full extent the trial of Cochrane’s alleged fraud in the London Stock Exchange, in attempts to suggest his innocence and expose his naivety in daring to poke at the naval establishment’s authority and reputation. His popularity among the British people gains throughout the narrative, both for his heroics in battle as well as his devotion to the commonwealth and the oppressed in his role in Parliament. His final career spent as mercenary and admiral in South America is exceptionally researched, and the reader sees his true uniqueness in his fight for Greek independence. All in all, this biography is quite a page turner and is only marred by its rather short length, leaving a sense that there must indeed be more to Cochrane’s highly eventful life and extraordinary career. Maps and illustrations are provided, and the final chapters involve meaningful closure depicting his accomplishments even after death—for both his family as well as that of Great Britain.
Following a timeline from birth to death, we find Cochrane coming from a line of distinguished soldiers: with one having fought in the French and Indian War, and another serving as aide-de-camp to Cornwallis during the British surrender at Yorktown. It is from here that his illustrious career unfolds, where his uncle—a well regarded captain in his own right—enlists him on-board with the standing of midshipman. Cochrane quickly climbs the ranks, taking command of his own ship and daring to terrorize the very shores of France, where he becomes famous for his energetic ingenuity and bold maneuvering—the likes of which are based and expanded upon in such famous novels as C.S. Forester’s Hornblower saga, and Patrick O’Brian’s memorable masterpiece, the Aubrey-Maturin series. Harvey’s writing and stylish manner of capturing the intensity of battles is shown evenly, as Cochrane alone takes on multiple French pursuers in a somewhat handicapped vessel:
The corvettes concluded that the ship was fully manned. They turned tail and the Pallas set off in pursuit, firing its two forward guns- the only ones that were crewed, but the corvettes had no way of knowing that the ship was not capable of delivering a full broadside. In their headlong flight, each of the corvettes ran aground, either deliberately to avoid capture, or because of the difficulty of navigation in the area.
Harvey goes on to cover in its full extent the trial of Cochrane’s alleged fraud in the London Stock Exchange, in attempts to suggest his innocence and expose his naivety in daring to poke at the naval establishment’s authority and reputation. His popularity among the British people gains throughout the narrative, both for his heroics in battle as well as his devotion to the commonwealth and the oppressed in his role in Parliament. His final career spent as mercenary and admiral in South America is exceptionally researched, and the reader sees his true uniqueness in his fight for Greek independence. All in all, this biography is quite a page turner and is only marred by its rather short length, leaving a sense that there must indeed be more to Cochrane’s highly eventful life and extraordinary career. Maps and illustrations are provided, and the final chapters involve meaningful closure depicting his accomplishments even after death—for both his family as well as that of Great Britain.
February 24, 2022
Cochrane was a British naval hero, and sometimes a zero. This is the sea captain who inspired O'Brian's Master and Commander and Forrester's Horatio Hornblower, etc. Fascinating! Cochrane's exploits were even more daring —truth is stranger than fiction. However, this book is better suited to text than audio. It's not told in a captivating narrative style. Not engrossing. Dry, bare, and sometimes superficial listing of events. I found it almost impossible to listen attentively, despite the mastery of narrator Simon Vance. However, the content is amazing. Cochrane, like his fictional derivatives, took on the corrupt Lords of the Admiralty. And paid for it.
If you've read Hornblower and Aubrey/ Mautrin and want more sea battles with Boney, and if you don't mind some fantastical elements — dragons as fighter jets — try the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik, beginning with His Majesty's Dragon.
If you've read Hornblower and Aubrey/ Mautrin and want more sea battles with Boney, and if you don't mind some fantastical elements — dragons as fighter jets — try the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik, beginning with His Majesty's Dragon.
July 7, 2019
Brattle Book Storeに行った時、この本を見てびっくりした！「Cochrane」は私の名字だけど「e」がない。「Cochrane」はコックランの発音だ。彼は私の先祖じゃないけど関係を感じる。本は本当に面白かったよ！コックランは面白い生活をした！
When I went to Brattle Book Store, I saw this book and I was surprised! Cochrane is my last night but without the "e." He isn't an ancestor of mine but I still feel a connection to him. This book was so interesting though! Cochrane lived such a fascinating life!
When I went to Brattle Book Store, I saw this book and I was surprised! Cochrane is my last night but without the "e." He isn't an ancestor of mine but I still feel a connection to him. This book was so interesting though! Cochrane lived such a fascinating life!
April 23, 2013
This is a thoroughly researched and superbly balanced assessment of Cochrane's character.
It's not hagiography and it's not a hatchet job; Cochrane is shown to be both deeply flawed and extremely brilliant.
The problem lies in the poor writing that gets in the way of a magnificent story.
It's not hagiography and it's not a hatchet job; Cochrane is shown to be both deeply flawed and extremely brilliant.
The problem lies in the poor writing that gets in the way of a magnificent story.
February 5, 2021
This is a balanced book that shows both Cochrane's flair and his flaws.
It's mostly a tale of three periods. His career in the Royal Navy, his political problems and then his service in foreign navies.
The first is the most joyful section, detailing his triumphs and showing the foundations of his later problems. He had no end of exciting escapades and it's no wonder he's the inspiration for so many works of fiction.
The second part isn't edifying reading. Cochrane was thoroughly turned over by the establishment, but added to his own woes. No one comes out of this bit with their reputation enhanced and it's not pleasant to read about, even if it is accurate.
The third area returns to the sea, but doesn't quite recapture the entertainment of the first part.
This isn't a bad book, but it is let down by pedestrian writing, few maps and no diagrams of the layout of ships.
It's mostly a tale of three periods. His career in the Royal Navy, his political problems and then his service in foreign navies.
The first is the most joyful section, detailing his triumphs and showing the foundations of his later problems. He had no end of exciting escapades and it's no wonder he's the inspiration for so many works of fiction.
The second part isn't edifying reading. Cochrane was thoroughly turned over by the establishment, but added to his own woes. No one comes out of this bit with their reputation enhanced and it's not pleasant to read about, even if it is accurate.
The third area returns to the sea, but doesn't quite recapture the entertainment of the first part.
This isn't a bad book, but it is let down by pedestrian writing, few maps and no diagrams of the layout of ships.
February 25, 2021
A glimpse of the crazy life of one of the British's best naval captains.
December 19, 2014
Second only to Horatio Nelson, Lord Thomas Cochrane (1775-1860) is considered the most successful Captain in the British Naval history. Cochrane was the tenth Earl of Dundonald. He was from a noble Scottish family.
Harvey covers the three aspects of Cochrane’s career: fighting Captain in the British Navy, radical politician, he was a Member of Parliament and expatriate military genius who after suffering disgrace in England, helped South American countries and Greece battle for independence.
Cochrane’s exploits were the inspiration of C. S. Forrester, Patrick O’Brian and Frederic Marryal. As you read this book you can discover the various exploits these authors used in their books.
The author shows how Cochrane used deception, tactical strategy and expert seamanship to win battles against supposedly unbeatable opponents. His strength was such that Napoleon dubbed him “Le loupdes mers” (the Sea Wolf)
Harvey captures the excitement of his daring do with gripping prose. The section about his career in Parliament and exploits in South America I found interesting which surprised me as other reviews complained about this section. In keeping the biography balanced Harvey did cover Cochrane’s feud with the Admiralty and the alleged involvement in a stock exchange scandal. Later in his career he was made an Admiral in the British Navy.
Cochrane inspired a 1967 collection of poems by Pablo Neruda “Lord Cochrane de Chile” which was set to music by Chilean composer Gustavo Becerra-Schmidt. I most enjoyed the section about the Napoleonic wars. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. The book was narrated by Richard Matthews. If you are interested in the Napoleonic Naval Wars or British Naval history this is a book for you.
Harvey covers the three aspects of Cochrane’s career: fighting Captain in the British Navy, radical politician, he was a Member of Parliament and expatriate military genius who after suffering disgrace in England, helped South American countries and Greece battle for independence.
Cochrane’s exploits were the inspiration of C. S. Forrester, Patrick O’Brian and Frederic Marryal. As you read this book you can discover the various exploits these authors used in their books.
The author shows how Cochrane used deception, tactical strategy and expert seamanship to win battles against supposedly unbeatable opponents. His strength was such that Napoleon dubbed him “Le loupdes mers” (the Sea Wolf)
Harvey captures the excitement of his daring do with gripping prose. The section about his career in Parliament and exploits in South America I found interesting which surprised me as other reviews complained about this section. In keeping the biography balanced Harvey did cover Cochrane’s feud with the Admiralty and the alleged involvement in a stock exchange scandal. Later in his career he was made an Admiral in the British Navy.
Cochrane inspired a 1967 collection of poems by Pablo Neruda “Lord Cochrane de Chile” which was set to music by Chilean composer Gustavo Becerra-Schmidt. I most enjoyed the section about the Napoleonic wars. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. The book was narrated by Richard Matthews. If you are interested in the Napoleonic Naval Wars or British Naval history this is a book for you.
June 22, 2018
An interesting story about a historical figure and innovator who I didn't know.
The naval battles are interesting. Cochrane was quite an innovator. I enjoyed reading about his victories and audacity. I would have liked to know more about why his tactics worked compared to standard naval tactics of the day. The author does emphasize the fact that political considerations and gross incompetence were rampant in the various European navies. Who's imagination (among history buffs) isn't captivated by the age of wooden sailing ships and epic naval battles.
The military history of Cochrane was really interesting. Especially his exploits in South America. This book teased me to learn more about South American independence. However, Cochrane's political career just wasn't that interesting. He wasn't effective and he didn't play the system game. That meant he wasn't a successful politician, even if he was advanced for the time, universal suffrage for example.
My biggest critique: I never really got to know Cochrane that much. The book has a formula: Cochrane won some battles despite incompetent leadership from above, he was punished for insubordination, he persevered. After a while, it just becomes an academic list of accomplishments and challenges.
I'm glad I learned about Adm. Cochrane. But considering that Cochrane inspiring the Jack Aubrey novels, I prefer the fiction because the stories are more interesting.
The naval battles are interesting. Cochrane was quite an innovator. I enjoyed reading about his victories and audacity. I would have liked to know more about why his tactics worked compared to standard naval tactics of the day. The author does emphasize the fact that political considerations and gross incompetence were rampant in the various European navies. Who's imagination (among history buffs) isn't captivated by the age of wooden sailing ships and epic naval battles.
The military history of Cochrane was really interesting. Especially his exploits in South America. This book teased me to learn more about South American independence. However, Cochrane's political career just wasn't that interesting. He wasn't effective and he didn't play the system game. That meant he wasn't a successful politician, even if he was advanced for the time, universal suffrage for example.
My biggest critique: I never really got to know Cochrane that much. The book has a formula: Cochrane won some battles despite incompetent leadership from above, he was punished for insubordination, he persevered. After a while, it just becomes an academic list of accomplishments and challenges.
I'm glad I learned about Adm. Cochrane. But considering that Cochrane inspiring the Jack Aubrey novels, I prefer the fiction because the stories are more interesting.
June 25, 2009
Cochrane is the basis for Patrick O'Brien's fictional character Aubrey Maturin. Having read this book now I feel less guilty for not having read any of O'Brien's books.
This is one of those true stories which is just crying out to be made into a film. It has all the elements of a great action movie. I renegade leading man. Constant clashes with established authority. Against the odds victories. A great downfall followed by an exotic redemption.
If you only read one naval biography, read this one.
This is one of those true stories which is just crying out to be made into a film. It has all the elements of a great action movie. I renegade leading man. Constant clashes with established authority. Against the odds victories. A great downfall followed by an exotic redemption.
If you only read one naval biography, read this one.
April 1, 2008
Cochrane was the model for the fictional Jack Aubrey. I seem to keep running into him or his family as I write books.
December 14, 2014
An enjoyable biography of the man said to have been the model for Patrick O'Brian's Capt. Jack Aubrey. In this case the reality is just as much an adventure as the fiction.
May 7, 2019
A solid introduction to "Cochraneology".
November 6, 2020
This is the story of a remarkable man written in an unremarkable way.
June 10, 2022
“Cochrane: the life and exploits of a fighting captain,” by Robert Harvey (Carroll and Graf, 2000). It’s remarkable how closely Patrick “Brian modeled his Jack Aubrey on Thomas Cochrane---at least the naval exploits though not the personal history. Cochrane came from a line of Scottish military families, He was the eldest son of the ninth Earl of Dundonald, with ancestors who fought in the Seven Years War and the American Revolution. He was sent to sea at the age of 17. He did capture a much larger Spanish frigate with the tiny brig Speedy; he was captured by an overwhelming French squadron; he battered French troops along the coast; he led the Chilean navy against the Spanish; he was framed for a stock fraud and pilloried; etc etc. But Cochrane was even more than Aubrey: he had an important role in British politics, helping to liberalize the voting laws; he also helped northern Brazil win its independence; he was involved in the Greek war of independence; he was a naval innovator. Remarkable man, who should probably be as famous as Nelson---except that he never commanded large fleets in major battles, and lived past his heroism.
https://www.bookdepository.com/Cochra...
https://www.bookdepository.com/Cochra...
May 1, 2024
An accessibly written rehabilitation of a fascinating character from the Age of Sail. Cochrane was resented by most in the Admiralty and ended up as a mercenary, albeit usually on the right side. He is the inspiration for generations of historical novelists and proves that their works of adventure are more plausible than one might suspect.
Often a victim of his own impetuosity, he did live long enough to see his reputation salvaged, even if he was, for much of his life, a stranger in his own country.
A fine work of non-fiction. My only criticism is that the author often inserts a quotation and then repeats what it says when he could trust his reader to understand without such an addition.
Often a victim of his own impetuosity, he did live long enough to see his reputation salvaged, even if he was, for much of his life, a stranger in his own country.
A fine work of non-fiction. My only criticism is that the author often inserts a quotation and then repeats what it says when he could trust his reader to understand without such an addition.
February 28, 2020
Very enjoyable read.
You can see, through the reading of this, the inspiration for Captain Aubrey from the Master and Commander series. I loved the history and depth that Harvey put into the writing of this. The ups and downs of Thomas' life. The adventures that he had and the challenges that he faced.
I was actually disappointed that the book had to end. This is a man I would most certainly loved to have served with aboard his ship.
You can see, through the reading of this, the inspiration for Captain Aubrey from the Master and Commander series. I loved the history and depth that Harvey put into the writing of this. The ups and downs of Thomas' life. The adventures that he had and the challenges that he faced.
I was actually disappointed that the book had to end. This is a man I would most certainly loved to have served with aboard his ship.
March 23, 2019
Outstanding read
A really gripping account of the life of one of Britain's greatest seamen. Lord Thomas Cochrane's exploits provided the background for the fictional Hornblower and Aubrey characters.
A really gripping account of the life of one of Britain's greatest seamen. Lord Thomas Cochrane's exploits provided the background for the fictional Hornblower and Aubrey characters.
December 28, 2020
What an amazing tale that surpasses in many ways the exploits of naval fictions that have been a mainstay of my reading over the last few years.
Robert Harvey has crafted a wonderful book that spans the glorious age of British naval power and its most illustrious exponent.
Robert Harvey has crafted a wonderful book that spans the glorious age of British naval power and its most illustrious exponent.
November 26, 2021
Four Stars for the book, but an easy five for the man.
February 16, 2022
A great book to learn about Cochrane. I appreciate the numerous accounts taken from letters and transcripts so I could hear what happened in their own words.
November 6, 2024
What a wild ride through a remarkable unique life of nautical exploits that inspired a whole genre of fiction
February 26, 2022
(Based on the audiobook:) A fantastic biography! Napoleon called Cochrane, "Le Lupe de Mer," the "Sea Wolf." His almost unbelievable exploits in oceans and seas around the globe made him the despair of the Corsican (and have served as the inspiration for novels and movies like "Master & Commander,") and his actions and politics on land made him a sensation in the British Parliament and on Fleet Street. Robert Harvey, who penned "The Liberators," about the men who freed the lands of South America from Spain and Portugal (a section of that book is devoted to Cochrane,) has written a briskly paced, well-balanced biography that is sympathetic without being a whitewash of Cochrane's flaws. Recommended.
August 26, 2009
A look at the career of one of England's great fighting captains; the possible inspiration behind the career C.S. Forester's fictional naval hero, Horatio Hornblower
May 8, 2013
Fantastic account of a not-so-well-known "hero" of the age, classic stuff, highly readable and very enjoyable
February 26, 2017
What a character - set in the times of Napoleon, but with the British empire, he pushes the envelope both culturally and personally. Liked this one a lot.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews