"[Lavery] has written a fast-paced, absorbing chronicle of Britain's most celebrated naval commander." --Booklist "I have read several books on Britain's greatest hero, but this is by far the most concise in its clarity and brevity. Illustrated with period documents, maps, paintings and drawings, Lavery's book gets to the point and stays there, offering a very human portrait of a larger than life character who was both flawed and magnificent, and in the end, a man of flesh and blood, not a sainted deity." --Sea History"This is a modern work with the modern reader in mind, and it is deserving of attention, as is Nelson's legacy...This is indeed the right book for the right time and is highly recommended." --H-Net Book ReviewHoratio Nelson (1758-1805) was undoubtedly Britain's greatest naval leader and perhaps the greatest sea commander of all time. Although his complex character often made him enemies and led to mistakes in both his public and private life, he was an unrivaled seaman, an original and brave tactician, and a charismatic leader.Brian Lavery, a renowned expert in naval history, charts Nelson's career from his first naval posting in peacetime, at the age of just 12, to his rapid rise through the ranks, his command of the Mediterranean Fleet in HMS Victory, the transformation of his reputation during the Nile Campaign and his heroic death at Trafalgar. The book examines the forces and events which shaped Nelson's life--the victories and defeats, and the successes and failures--to discover the reasons for his extraordinary fame, both in his own time and to this day. Lavery sets the events of Nelson's maritime career against the backdrop of his personal life--his marriage and the scandal of his m?nage-a-trois with the Hamiltons--to reveal a man of determination, courage, and daring.The Battle of Trafalgar continues to represent an ideal of complete and uncompromising victory from the age of the sailing ship, and Horatio Nelson, the hero and victim of that battle, has similarly secured his place as a legend in naval history. Illustrated throughout with contemporary maps, paintings, and letters and original battle plans in Nelson's hand, this book in the Historic Lives series provides a concise and valuable insight into the achievements and life of Lord Horatio Nelson.