Nelson: Love and Fame

by Edgar Vincent (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2003

  $3.23

  The story of Horatio Nelson's life - his naval glory, public fame, charismatic leadership, scandalous romance, and untimely death as he led the British to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. This biography of Nelson (1758-1805) presents an account of his climb to fame as well as the details of his personal and emotional life. A man of contradictions, Nelson emerges in this biography as a ruthless and aggressive leader, the epitome of a fighting commander; an ambitious attention-seeker capable of self-pity, self-delusion and childish behaviour; yet to be admired for his transcendent courage, kindness and leadership skills, which inspired love and affection in those he led. Edgar Vincent builds on research and examines the extensive primary sources, seeking to enlarge our understanding of Nelson the man. He offers interpretations of Nelson's victories to illustrate his grasp of today's concept of mission-command two centuries ahead of his time; his disobedience of his Commander-in-Chief's orders; and his part in the bloody and chaotic Napoleonic counter-revolution. Vincent also analyses the motives and attitudes of key figures who surrounded him, among them Earl Spencer, Earl St Vincent, Sir William Hamilton and Thomas Troubridge. Interwoven with the events of Nelson's career is his emotional journey, his early infatuations, his courtship and marriage with Frances Nisbet, and his all-consuming affair with his mistress Lady Hamilton, one of the most celebrated beauties of the 18th century and the mother of his child.

• Used

  Paperback
  2005

  $3.23

  The story of Horatio Nelson's life - his naval glory, public fame, charismatic leadership, scandalous romance, and untimely death as he led the British to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar - has ensured his enduring position as England's favourite hero. This engaging, full-length biography of Nelson (1758-1805) presents a gripping account of his climb to fame as well as the fascinating details of his personal and emotional life. A man of contradictions, Nelson emerges in this biography as a ruthless and aggressive leader, the epitome of a fighting commander; an ambitious attention-seeker capable of self-pity, self-delusion, and childish behaviour; yet to be admired for his transcendent courage, kindness and leadership skills, which inspired love and affection in those he led. This is a splendid biography, not only because it is well written and well researched, but also because it neither seeks to demean the hero nor excuse the man. Heroism becomes the more remarkable when it is shown by people who in other ways are very like ourselves. L.G. Mitchell, Times Literary Supplement A formidable addition to the already crowded Nelson canon ...Vincent's publishers have done him proud. There are excellent maps and battle diagrams; the illustrations are copious, and many have rarely been seen before. Paul Johnson, Literary Review This full-blown biography offers a profusion of detail about Nelson's health and finances, his way with the welfare and discipline of his men and how his battles were fought and usually won ...A true portrait of an extraordinary man. Tom Pocock, Spectator This is a wonderful book, the best modern biography of Britain's greatest admiral. John Keegan, Daily Telegraph Edgar Vincent has written a robust, level-headed account of Nelson's life. Adam Preston, Financial Times A stately literary battleship, bristling with truly terrifying military and biographical detail. Sunday Telegraph Shortlisted for the BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize.

• New

  Paperback
  2005

  $18.14

  The story of Horatio Nelson's life - his naval glory, public fame, charismatic leadership, scandalous romance, and untimely death as he led the British to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar - has ensured his enduring position as England's favourite hero. This engaging, full-length biography of Nelson (1758-1805) presents a gripping account of his climb to fame as well as the fascinating details of his personal and emotional life. A man of contradictions, Nelson emerges in this biography as a ruthless and aggressive leader, the epitome of a fighting commander; an ambitious attention-seeker capable of self-pity, self-delusion, and childish behaviour; yet to be admired for his transcendent courage, kindness and leadership skills, which inspired love and affection in those he led. This is a splendid biography, not only because it is well written and well researched, but also because it neither seeks to demean the hero nor excuse the man. Heroism becomes the more remarkable when it is shown by people who in other ways are very like ourselves. L.G. Mitchell, Times Literary Supplement A formidable addition to the already crowded Nelson canon ...Vincent's publishers have done him proud. There are excellent maps and battle diagrams; the illustrations are copious, and many have rarely been seen before. Paul Johnson, Literary Review This full-blown biography offers a profusion of detail about Nelson's health and finances, his way with the welfare and discipline of his men and how his battles were fought and usually won ...A true portrait of an extraordinary man. Tom Pocock, Spectator This is a wonderful book, the best modern biography of Britain's greatest admiral. John Keegan, Daily Telegraph Edgar Vincent has written a robust, level-headed account of Nelson's life. Adam Preston, Financial Times A stately literary battleship, bristling with truly terrifying military and biographical detail. Sunday Telegraph Shortlisted for the BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize.