How does the fictional naval career of Horatio Hornblower align with the historical realities of the British Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars? C. Northcote Parkinson, a naval historian and author, utilizes his expertise to construct a pseudo-biography of C.S. Forester’s iconic character. By treating Hornblower as a real historical figure, Parkinson synthesizes the internal chronology of the novels with the actual maritime history of the early 19th century to provide a comprehensive account of the character's life and service.

Experts and fans of the series frequently cite this work as a definitive companion that bridges the gap between historical fact and fictional narrative. Readers often note the scholarly tone Parkinson employs, which treats the subject with the same gravity as a genuine historical biography.