The saga about the British Royal Navy officer Horatio Hornblower, who went through a glorious and difficult path from a simple midshipman to a lord and admiral, is a unique phenomenon in world historical and adventure literature. A circle of millions of admirers, endless circulations, truly world-wide recognition, which brought the writer into the classics of the genre, film and television versions with the participation of such famous actors as Gregory Peck, Christopher Lee, and other stars of world cinema. The author of the saga, Cecil Scott Forester, spoke about his hero: “It has brought me countless friends all over the world. The customs officers read my name and let my luggage through without inspecting it. He brought me together with admirals and princesses, and I am grateful to him, honestly, although I often think that it would be better for him not to do this.” Not every writer is so lucky with a character. The saga of Horatio Hornblower has left a noticeable literary mark. Bernard Cornwell's book series about Rifleman Sharpe was inspired by Forester. Patrick O'Brien, based on the books of the famous saga, wrote a multi-volume epic about Captain Aubrey. Even Harry Harrison kindly parodied the image of the hero Forester in one of his stories (“Captain Gonario Harpplayer”). This book continues Hornblower’s sea odyssey, here he is already a captain, seasoned and battered in battle, but has not left that young enthusiasm with with which he joined the Royal Navy.