The Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 was the most famous of the age of sail, and the last in the long series between Britain and France. It is famous too, for the death of Horatio Nelson, one of Britain's greatest naval heroes, whose tactical genius and leadership saved Britain from invasion by Napoleon's fleet.
Brian Lavery of the National Maritime Museum takes the reader through the dramatic story of a pivotal battle in British history. Using previously unpublished eyewitness accounts, letters and research, he reveals a fascinating and vivid picture of the real people behind the conflict - of Nelson himself, his admirals and officers, but also the untold stories of the ordinary men who served in the fleet.
Beautifully illustrated with colour images from the National maritime Museum's archives, the book provides real insight into the life of the seamen - from the brutality of the pressgangs to daily routine, health, discipline and the hardships of life at sea. The stories behind the famous 'ships of the line' - 'Victory, Bellerophon, Mars and Revenge' - also feature, with expert evaluation of their construction and specifications.
Published to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, this is a unique and essential companion to a definitive episode in British history.
Contents:
Picture Acknowledgements
1. Mobilization
2. The 'Victory'
3. The Threat From Boulogne
4. The 'Bellerophon'
5. The Crews
6. The 'Defence'
7. The Mediterranean Fleet
8. The 'Mars'
9. The Chase
10. The 'Euryalus'
11. Barham at the Admiralty
12. Cadiz
13. The 'Revenge'
14. Officers
15. Collingwood and the Stick
16. The Fleet
17. Into Battle
18. The First Round
19. The Later Battle
20. The Storm
21. The Aftermath
Notes
Index
