George Monck, later Duke of Abermarle, is best remembered as the man who led his Coldstream Guards to London in 1660 to effect a bloodless coup against the Cromwellian Republic and restore the Stuart dynasty. He was also one of England's most distinguished sailors of the 17th century, fighting alongside General Blake and Prince Rupert in several Anglo-Dutch wars. Earlier, as a land general, he fought in Ireland for Charles I, then switched sides and fought in Scotland for Oliver Cromwell. This is a competent and comprehensive biography of one of the greatest military careers in British history; I withhold a star because the story could have been told with a dab more flavor. Still, a life well lived.