Trafalgar

The Biography of a Battle

Roy Adkins author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Little, Brown Book Group

Published:5th May '05

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Trafalgar cover

This gripping account of the Battle of Trafalgar explores its significance in British history and the legacy of Admiral Nelson.

In Trafalgar, Roy Adkins delivers an extensively researched and compelling narrative of the pivotal naval battle that reshaped British history. On October 21, 1805, Britain, led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, engaged in a fierce confrontation against the combined fleets of France and Spain. Over the course of six hours, British forces showcased unparalleled naval prowess, ultimately thwarting Napoleon's ambitions at sea and establishing Nelson as a national hero. Adkins masterfully weaves together the events leading up to the battle, the intense conflict itself, and its lasting repercussions on British maritime power.

The book not only highlights the strategic brilliance of Nelson but also delves into the human experiences of those who fought. Adkins captures the bravery, fear, and camaraderie of sailors who faced unimaginable odds. His vivid storytelling brings to life the chaos of battle, while also providing insightful reflections on the political and social contexts of the time. As readers journey through Trafalgar, they gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding this monumental event.

Trafalgar is more than just a historical account; it is an exploration of heroism and sacrifice. Adkins' engaging prose invites readers to reflect on the legacy of the battle and its significance in shaping British naval history. This biography is essential reading for anyone interested in maritime warfare and the indomitable spirit of those who fought in one of history's most consequential battles.

First-rate... quite fascinating and filled with glimpses of the humanity of the men who fought so coolly yet ferociously. His account of the battle is a gripping album of snapshots from the quarterdecks and gundecks of the ships themselves. Truly it is a most eclectic, engaging book -- Allan Mallinson * Spectator *
Masterful... a compelling account -- Bernard Cornwell * Mail on Sunday *
Blazing... also boasts a welcome twist to the genre with a lacing of black humour... At least the equal to Stalingrad in blood, pace and telling detail * Independent on Sunday *
The blazing TRAFALGAR is at least the equal of STALINGRAD in blood, pace and detail, but it also boasts a welcome twist to the genre with a lacing of black humour * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *
Masterful in explaining why Nelson's men were so much more efficient ... Adkins has written a compelling account * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
Well-written and makes good use of first-hand accounts * LITERARY REVIEW *
[Adkins's] painstaking digging, sifting, arranging and questioning take him everywhere on Nelson's fleet ... His account of the battle is a gripping album of snapshots from the quarterdecks and gun decks of the ships themselves ... A most eclectic but engagi * SPECTATOR *

ISBN: 9780349116327

Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 28mm

Weight: 340g

416 pages