Lavery (National Maritime Museum) offers an account of two periods in British history when Britain faced invasion by despots and their armies camped on the French coast. Material is arranged in separate sections on each period and short linking passages. This organization allows the reader to follow one period chronologically, or to compare and contrast the two periods through major themes. Drawing on first-hand accounts, historical records, and other evidence, the author examines the strategies of leaders on both sides, and also examines the reactions of the British public to the threat of invasion, public support to the British military, and the creation of militia and volunteer units. A final chapter poses the question of what would have happened if either invasion were successful. The book is illustrated with b&w photos from WWII, and color illustrations from the Napoleonic Era. Lavery won the Society of Nautical Research's Anderson Medal in 2008. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)