The approach of 20 November 2009, marking the 250th anniversary of the battle of Quiberon Bay, led us to reconsider Hawke's contribution to British naval leadership in the period ending with Trafalgar. In the setting of a navy whose operations were subject to the limits imposed by wind and sail, we aimed to make systematic comparisons between naval leaders of the time and clarify the ways in which Nelson's outstanding leadership capitalised on the example set earlier by Hawke. By deriving criteria of excellence from the comparative performance of admirals of the period, we sought to clarify the ways in which Hawke and Nelson stand out from the rest. Our twelve criteria apply to tactical and strategical leadership, as well as to general aspects of the well-being and effectiveness of the service as a whole.

We wish to acknowledge the advice and encouragement received from Professors Daniel Baugh and Roger Knight and also, in addition to his extraordinary contributions to the writing and promotion of naval history, of Dr Nicholas Rodger. We also much appreciate the constant availability of Dr John Brooks as a source of valuable advice. Naturally, we accept total responsibility for the content of the book. We also thank Sean Goddard of Exeter University's Archaeology Department for his skill in producing the maps; the editorial committee of our publishers for guidance over the book's structure; and Peter Sowden, commissioning editor of Boydell & Brewer, for his active encouragement at every stage following our submission of the manuscript.