Holiday book rec that Aubrey-Maturin fans should enjoy
Cochrane: Britannia's Sea Wolf
Daring and dashing, Thomas, Lord Cochrane led an extraordinary life. This bold commander, whose exploits far exceeded those of any fictional counterpart, was dubbed the "Sea Wolf" by no less than Napoleon himself. More than just a colorful military figure, however, Cochrane entered Parliament, became a radical reformer, and fought official corruption…earning powerful enemies in the process. They plotted revenge–and very nearly succeeded–but Cochrane's final triumph as a conquering hero remains one of the most amazing tales ever told.
Gyve Bones adds:
O'Brian based much of Jack Aubrey's character and several exploits from the life and naval adventures of Earl Cochrane. C.S. Forrester was inspired by Cochrane as well for his Horatio Hornblower novels.
Here are some public-domain works by Cochrane himself, memoirs of his service in (and out of) the Royal Navy.