The author not only covers the two great battles that made the Rodney's reputation with great authority but also gives a fascinating account of the politics and physics influencing its building. The description of the damage that a battleship does to itself as the result of firing its immense guns brought home to some extent what is was like to be on the ship during battle. The Rodney did far more damage to itself than the Germans ever did. The stories of everyday life on board the ship and the feelings the men had during and after action again helped the understanding of life on board. I am lucky enough never to have faced such experiences but my father did and gives me a much appreciated connection with his past..Difficult to put down is a much overused description of a book's contents but not in this case. Since I read it I have returned a couple of times to re-read the Chapters on the Bismarck and D-Day. They are stirring without being jingoistic. It is a book that I shall return to again..