A collection of biographies of military admirals, who, according to the compiler, American historian Jack Sweetman, determined the development of naval art from the 16th century to the end of the Second World War. The most significant conflicts in which naval power played a significant role, as well as the main stages in the development of warships, their weapons and equipment, are tracked. And also the formation of the “military sailor” profession, the most prominent representatives of which were chosen for the book. The main milestones of the biography, an analysis of the situation before the conflict and a detailed analysis of the battle are highlighted, in which all facets of the talent of the naval commander are revealed, who was able to make the best use of all the opportunities provided by the country, technology and the forces entrusted to him. And although the presence of some representatives here seems not very appropriate (Yuel, Miaolis, Farragut), and the absence of others is puzzling (Tourville, Rodney, Ushakov), the general structure of the book for such studies seems closest to ideal. Comp. D. Sweetman