a a great fan of the hornblower series ( have read it completely through 3 time ) and i be somewhat disappointed in a and e rendition of it . c. s. forester writing be abso fraggin lutely outstanding . his character and plotting and and historical accuracy and detail mark the book a classic reading and be thoroughly enjoyable . i be look forward to the miniseries with great anticipation . hate to disagree with what seem the common praise the set and the actor and the filming be all very well do but what missing be the texture of the story . a probably the bad example of this and forester chapter the even chance set up the character and situation that bring about the duel wonderfully . it unique . he explain the inaccuracy of pistol of that time and how hornblower set the condition of the duel because of it . in the tv version and this have be change to something that have little to do with the story a forrester write it . they make a series of a good book precisely because it such a good story and and then feel compel to change the story into a typical formula plot . enjoy the series for what it be and but read the book to get the story that make them classic in the first place .