Cochrane the dauntless : the life and adventures of Admiral Thomas Cochrane, 1775-1860

Patrick O'Brian, C.S. Forester and Captain Marryat all based their literary heroes on Thomas Cochrane, but Cochrane's exploits were far more daring and exciting than those of his fictional counterparts. He was a man of action, whose bold and impulsive nature meant he was often his own worst enemy. Writing with gripping narrative skill and drawing on his own travels and original research, Cordingly tells the rip-roaring story of a flawed Romantic hero who helped define his age. Thomas Cochrane Was The Epitome Of The Romantic Hero -- A Man Of Action, Whose Bold And Impulsive Nature Meant That He Was Often His Own Worst Enemy. This Impetuousness Lay Behind His Early Success, But Also Caused Him To Upset Admirals And Politicians And Culminated In The 1814 Stock Exchange Scandal, Which Saw Him Blackcalled By The British Establishment. 1. A Scottish Upbringing: 1775-1793 -- 2. From Midshipman To Lieutenant: 1793-1800 -- 3. Commander Of The Speedy. 1800-1801 -- 4. A Dark Interlude: 1801-1804 -- 5. The Flying Pallas: 1804-1806 -- 6. Member Of Parliament For Honiton: 1806-1807 -- 7. The Westminster Election: 1807 -- 8. Return To The Mediterranean: 1807-1808 -- 9. The Coastal Raids Of The Imperieuse: 1808 -- 10. The Defence Of Fort Trinidad: 1808 -- 11. Entering The Gates Of Hell: 1809 -- 12. The French Fleet Aground: 1809 -- 13. The Court Martial Of Lord Gambier: 1809 -- 14. Riots And Romance: 1809-1814 -- 15. The Stock Exchange Scandal: 1814 -- 16. The Wilderness Years: 1814-1818 -- 17. The Liberation Of Chile And Peru: 1818-1822 -- 18. Brazil And Beyond: 1822-1825 -- 19. A Greek Fiasco: 1825-1828 -- 20. The Fightback: 1828-1851 -- 21. The Last Years: 1851-1860. David Cordingly. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Thomas Cochrane was a man of action, whose impulsive nature meant that he was often his own worst enemy. It was this that lay behind his early success, and also behind the stock exchange scandal that saw him blackballed from the City and his beloved country. Drawing on his own travels, this book tells the story of this man. Physical description: [xxiii], 420p. : ill., maps ; 24cm. Subjects: Dundonald, Thomas Cochrane Earl of -- (1775-1860). Admirals, Great Britain -- Biography. The real Master and Commander 'There is no man I envy so much as Lord Cochrane' Lord Byron