"Mr. Midshipman Easy" by Frederick Marryat is set during the Napoleonic Wars, in which Marryat himself served with distinction. Easy is the son of foolish parents, who spoiled him. Easy is based on the author's adventures sailing with Lord Thomas Cochrane, with a satirical twist. This classic seafaring tale is a fascinating account of naval life and warfare, of French prisons and love affairs, and of the midshipman's berth.
