This is probably the most impressive short volume on Age of Sail warships I've come across. It's clear Lardas knows his stuff and presents a lot of information contained in larger titles that I was already aware of (such as Wareham's 'The Star Captains'), but presents it in a condensed volume and in a way that remained interesting to me. Pound for pound it is probably the most technically informative book on the period I've read, suitable for the beginner and those with greater depth of knowledge. As mentioned already, the artwork, illustrations and diagrams are universally excellent.

Given the, perhaps overstated, importance of single frigate versus frigate duels of the period and the fact that, in many ways, they capture the essence of the "romance" of the time, I think this is a must read for novices and veterans alike.