Lord Hornblower

Lord Hornblower, by C. S. Forester.

Returning from sick leave, Hornblower must quash a mutiny off the coast of France (very sneakily he does it, too), which then turns into inciting the town La Havre to rebel against Bonaparte (successfully) and attainment of a peerage. A brief interlude of peace ensues. Trapped in France after Napoleon escapes from Elba, Hornblower fights as a guerilla with his old friend the Comte de Gracay, loses Marie, and is sentenced to death.

Fortunately, Bonaparte's return does not last.

Commodore Hornblower

Commodore Hornblower, by C. S. Forester

The daring, wit and verve of Hornblower shine through in this adventure. Taking to the Baltics, Captain Sir Horatio must navigate not only treacherous shoals but the convoluted politics of the Baltic nations, some in the hands of Napoleon Bonaparte, some not, and some not at all sure. This while convincing Russia to stand firm against 'Boney', thwarting assassins, and battling typhoid.

And he takes towns and the Prussian soldiers just by walking up and taking them. Ha! And Ha! again!