Hornblower commands Hotspur for over two years and spends much of that time in the shoaling, tricky water off the approach to Brest. His replacement runs Hotspur aground during his first day of command, and the ship is lost. Was Hornblower lucky? Was his replacement an incompetent bungler? What could account for such diametrically opposed experiences?

The water-hoy Princess appears to be a terribly inefficient means of transportation. She rolls and pitches violently and spends several days simply blowing around before heavy weather. Do you think that a steamship would have had a profound effect on the Napoleonic wars? Why or why not?

Hornblower is a formidable warrior and masterful tactician. He boards a French brig and fights hand-to-hand without demonstrating fear or reserve. Later, he undergoes a crisis of conscience about operating as a spy. Why do you think this particular task would...