Nelson and Napoleon: The Long Haul to Trafalgar [Paperback]

Christopher Lee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

Horatio Nelson is Britain’s greatest naval hero, and Trafalgar in 1805 is her greatest naval victory. Through the prism of the events of the preceding years, historian Christopher Lee reexamines the myths surrounding Trafalgar. He also paints a detailed picture of the personalities and the intrigues, particularly the creation of Nelson as national hero and his intense rivalry with Napoleon. Finally, he explores the "what ifs" of Trafalgar—for instance, what if Nelson had lived?This is an illuminating account of a victory that changed the course of the Napoleonic wars and led to Britannia ruling the waves for more than 100 years. Christopher Lee is the author of the prize-winning history of Britain, This Sceptered Isle.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Christopher Lee's vivid and painstaking account cuts through the folklore, replacing it with wonderful insights into early 19th-century Britain and Europe' -- DAILY EXPRESS 'This absorbing work... [creates] a rich picture of a pivotal moment in maritime history' -- THE GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Refreshingly iconoclastic' -- SOLDIER magazine 'Scholarly and well-researched... an indispensable book' -- NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS 'A very interesting read' -- DEVON LIFE

About the Author

Christopher Lee studied history at Cambridge University and subsequently joined the BBC where he became defence correspondent. In addition to his two previous books for Headline, 1603 and EIGHT BELLS AND TOP MASTS, he is the author of the highly acclaimed BBC book and radio series THIS SCEPTRED ISLE and has edited Churchill's HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLES.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075531042X
• ISBN-13: 978-0755310425
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,153,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Expands on the Common Story, January 8, 2006

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nelson and Napoleon: The Long Haul to Trafalgar (Hardcover)

Having just passed it's 200th anniversary, the Battle of Trafalgar was the deciding battle that enabled Britain to rule the waves for the next century and more. In this book Mr. Lee, the author of the award winning radio history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle,' takes a view of the battle and of the key commanders.

The title of the book reflects the main subjects, a rivalry of commanders that had gone on for years. The secondary commanders such as Villeneuve, Cornwallis, Collingwood are likewise covered in detail.

This is a well researched, well written history of the battle and the people. There are a lot of histories of Nelson and Napoleon, this book has a lot more on their lower level commanders. Perhaps best however, is the final fifty pages or so. Here is where the battle itself, and the aftermath is described. In addition there is a very interesting 'What If.'

'What if Nelson had lived?' Blind in one eye, he was losing his vision in the other. Politically astute and extremely popular, could he have become Prime Minister, what about his temper - not good in a politician. Very interesting book.