In the book proposed here, V. N. Berch gives a critical analysis of the works of the captain of the English fleet Brenton and William James, who published almost simultaneously the "Istorіyu of the Anglіyskago Fleet" (in 1820 and 1824, respectively). Berch reproaches English writers for bias. Using various documents, W. N. Berch points to a strong exaggeration of the legendary maritime glory of Great Britain. The book can be useful to those interested in naval battles of the XVIII - early. XIX centuries.