The particular value of this book is that it gives you a good picture of what would happen to you if you were on the receiving end of the Royal Navy back in the day from one of the victims. Two, Feldbaek goes to some lengths to depict just what it would take to put a squadron into action on short notice in the age of fighting sail. Three, Feldbaek doesn't slight considering the strategic and diplomatic aspects of this whole incident; which are very interesting in and of themselves. Finally, this just a good story which I imagine just about anyone interested in the period will derive some value from. ( )