This is a very good history book and well worth a read. The problem is that, as the author is obliged to remind us in most chapters, is that there is little written evidence of what exactly Benbow was up to for 90% of his life. Nevertheless, the book gives us an insight in to the naval and general history of the second half of the seventeenth century There are a few nautical faux pas, such as describing the trade winds as westerlies, but not too many. The writing style is light and entertaining and much the better for it.