Nelson: Britannia's God of War

by Andrew D. Lambert

Nelson explores the professional, personal, intellectual and practical origins of the man's genius, to understand how the greatest warrior that Britain has ever produced transformed the art of conflict, and enabled his country to survive the challenge of total war and international isolation. The most authoritative biography of Nelson from Britain's foremost naval warfare historian Very well received in hardback A blockbuster paperback edition to reach all fans of historical adventure and military history 2005 is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, British Literature, Naval History, War, Military History

446 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 2004

About the author

Andrew Lambert, FRHistS, is a British naval historian, who since 2001 has been the Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies, King's College London

Reviews

[Reni · Rating 3 out of 5]

People tend to read biographies for lots of different reasons. Luckily, with Nelson you have dozens of books to choose from, each catering to a different audience, and persuing a different narrative.

This particular biography sets out to mainly do three things:

- disentangle Nelson the man from Nelson the myth.
- focus on Nelson's achievements as a tactician and his personal leading style.
- examine the role Nelson has played and still plays in constituting a sense of British nationality.

As such the biography focuses on Nelson's military career, especially the later years, since about two thirds of the book are devoted the years between the Nile campaign and Trafalgar. Even though the book set out to explore Nelson as a person, his relationships to friends and lovers are hardly touched upon. Even his best friend and comrade in arms Collingwood is barely mentioned. The relationships that the biography does touch upon are examined under the aspect of how they enabled Nelson to develope his own set of strategies and leadership qualities. To that end the book focuses on Nelson's relationships to his immediate superiors (Hood, Jervis, Keith), especially in regards to the way he was used by them and used them in turn. Sadly, even though the book stresses the legendary good rapport Nelson had with the people serving under him, who held him in high regard, we only get a couple of anecdotes about the subject, compared to the vast analysis of his relations with his superiors.

In fact, the biography relates its anecdotes very sparingly, which makes it a rather dry read as a whole. The facts you might know from other biographies are all there, but they don't flow as lively as in, say, R.J.B. Knight's recent biography -- who took about 200 pages to narrate a chain of events that Lambert summises in 60. Again, this is justified in that in that Nelson: Britannia's God Of War had a clear focus on Nelson's development as a military commander, while Knight attempted to paint a broader picture, but readers should keep this in mind when they decide that Lambert's bio is the one Nelson biography they want.

For all its goals to find and present the true Nelson behind the myths, this book ends up excluding quite a few details by viewing the history through its own chosen lense. However, the biography is serious about dissolving some of the myths surrounding Nelson, even devoting a whole essay in the appendix to disprove the Black Legend surrounding Nelson's involvement with the Neapolitan revolution of 1799. These parts are particularly exciting as the book takes some of the same details that Knight's biography brought up, but interprets them to support a completely opposed line of argumentation. It appears, every Nelson enthusiast will continue to have to do their own bit of research in order to decide how the controversy should be regarded.


In the end, I'm of two minds about this book:

One the one hand the book achieved what it set out to do, by focusing on Nelson as a military man, and his genius, unique understanding of the demands on the sailing navies of the time. At the same time it looked critically at some of the more popular and oftentime false stories surrounding the famous admiral, all the while never understating the worship Nelson had already attracted during his lifetime. The sections on Christian imagery and associated literary tropes connected with Britain's Romantic hero are particularly worth mentioning. I also appreciated the last part of the book focusing on what Nelson and Trafalgar meant to Great Britain on a national level, and how this meaning might have been transported into the 21st century, since this is the one aspect about Nelson that tends to fascinate me the most. It appears I am very much attracted to hero cults and how they arise. Go figure.

This last part, however, got a bit muddied by the fact, that the author let his very personal feelings on the issue shine through a little bit too much.

On the other hand, and lastly, I prefer biographies that offer broader stories, more anecdotes, more direct quotes from letters. The lack of these make Nelson: Britannia's God of War something of a dry read, and since I'm reading these naval biographies as an absolute layperson, not as a scholar and most certainly not a historian, I would have appreciated a different approach, loosened up by a couple more actual stories -- fat and meat attached! -- rather than their dry bones.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pro: If like me you don't much about Nelson or maritime war, there's a lot to learn from this book. I really enjoyed it, and it's given me an appreciation of why Nelson has become such an inspirational figure.

The con: I felt I had to take things with a very big pinch of salt. The author doesn't seem to be very aware of his own personal biases, and they often cloud the account he's giving us of events. The writing style is also pretty dry, which can make the book a bit of a chore during some of the less eventful sections.

[Eugene Constance de Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoar.

[Carl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've marked this read/finished, but in truth I had to give up on ot quite early on.

The author knows his subject well, but unfortunately assumes too much knowledge on the part of the reader, routinely using the jargon of maritime warfare from hundreds of years ago with little explanation. At one point we're told a captured ship had a "siege train" in the hold; it would be nice to be told what that actually means, and not have to look things up every other sentence.

People with more knowledge of maritime warfare would get more out of this, but trying to read it was, for me, a losing battle.

[Mark Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since my grandfather took me and my sister to Portsmouth to see HMS Victory when we were kids I have always been interested in Lord Admiral Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. I am not the only person that finds him interesting, and this book helps explain why of all the famous Admirals in British history Nelson is probably the most famous and most revered.

As you can imagine this book details his life and demonstrates how he put duty to England first above all else. It also explains a bit how the British Navy operated at the time, with officers relying on patronage to get their assignments and how they counted on prize money and spoils of war to support themselves.

The end of the book also explains how and why the country and Royal Navy used Nelson after his death during the Battle of Trafalgar (spoiler for anyone that does not know history) and transcended him into mythological status.

If you are interested in learning about Nelson and the naval battles he fought, there were many besides Trafalgar then I heartily recommend this book. If you are looking for info on the scandal involving him and Lady Emma Hamilton you might be a bit disappointed as while the author does talk about her as well as Nelson’s wife, Fanny but very briefly and not in a lot of detail, just enough for the reader to understand what is going on.

[John Grinstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that it is quite difficult for historians to set aside their own interpretation of the past and those who shaped it but, notwithstanding his obvious admiration for Nelson, Andrew Lambert does a pretty good job here. He acknowledges the faults of the man, the various scandals that have been attempted to build around him and the differing moral standpoints of the times, the Victorians and those that followed. He does not, however, dwell on them preferring instead to focus on the undoubted genius of Nelson’s leadership and war craft.

Although patronage played a key role in the advancement of naval officers of the time - and Nelson himself both sought and received it - his skill, strategic ability and seamanship shine through and account for his fame around the world and for his unrivalled status in British Maritime history.

Andrew Lambert’s focus on his ability as a naval officer and his devotion to duty - to his country and to those who serve with him - is the stand out feature of this really enjoyable account of Nelson’s life and how he has been perceived through history.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not known much about Nelson, I wanted a brief summary of his life. The book did just that, and it's clearly a large topic to cover, so I think it did it very well.

I would say the author's biases do shine through. Nelson is clearly a complex man with many great and heroic qualities, but of course, like everyone, he has shortcomings as well. But there's a sort of mental gymnastics to avoid portraying Nelson in any bad light, particularly when he left his wife Fanny (some of which seemed unnecessarily cruel to her).

That being said, in other aspects of his life, Nelson seems, by all accounts, great indeed. Loyal to his friends, kind to his subordinates and always placing himself in the line of fire, not asking his men to do something he would not. And I think the book does that aspect of him justice.

[Andrew Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author leaves you in no doubt of Nelson's naval genius. In his opinion he was the greatest naval leader Britain has ever had.

That's the lens through which story of Nelson's life is presented - up to and beyond his death. This isn't just the story of the man, it's the story of his story and how it continued to be re-shaped after his death.

I found it to be an enjoyable read, packed with information. Some of the sections about political and naval manouvering require close reading to follow the details of the action - or you can simply gloss over them and accept that there were some coming and goings around the bigger actions and incidents of his life.

It's the second Nelson bio I've read, so was a great reminder of the man's life and how it influenced those around him.

[Joni · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone like myself who knew little about Nelson (besides a wonderful The Rest is History series), this book is a bit much.

I imagine more knowledgeable readers who already have a strong grasp on the main events, characters and controversies will enjoy the level of detail. At this stage, I would have probably have liked a shorter account, or a more narrative book.

Rating a book on a 1 to 5 star scale is unfair and simplistic, especially when I knew so little about the topic to begin with, so the 3-stars is a measure of how much I enjoyed the experience. It was too dry, and the amount of details and names was overwhelming and distracting.

I did enjoy the story and will certainly return to the topic soon, but might pick a gentler book!

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I admire Andrew Lambert's work. He is an interesting, authoritative and original naval historian. His latest work - on Sir Julian Corbett - is ground-breaking. However, I was disappointed in this account of Nelson. It is for the most part a pedestrian narrative and has the feel of a potboiler. One gets the facts and some sense of Nelson's achievements and legacy. But I was looking for something a bit deeper and analytical about why Nelson was so successful and so important in the development of naval strategy and warfare.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big hefty chonk of a book, sometimes a bit dry but elevated by its subject and how much of a mad lad Nelson could be. I particularly liked the leanings towards the discussions about how the subject of History is always, always affected by contemporary circumstances. Especially how our view of Nelson is still so coloured by the Victorian image of him.

[Ben Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to find out more about Nelson and chose this one out of a choice of many. I found it a bit drawn out and sycophantic and the final chapters about after his death could have been somewhat shorter. I did learn but it was quite hard work.

[Leo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read 2024. Interesting but quite slow and full of over the top superlatives without really providing easy to follow text. Good start but need to find a less hagiographic biography, don’t disagree with the positive narrative but think a better book is out there on Nelson.

[David P · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent general introduction to a great man.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well structured and often insightful read. The book successfully maps Nelsons long and successful military career whilst weaving in strands of his private life.

[Drew Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a good biography of Nelson. I felt that the chapter on Trafalgar was a little rushed, and too much emphasis was put on Nelson post-death, but still a very entertaining and informative read.

[Ronnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough but very dry!

[Samuel Boucké · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

[Ryan Datwyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The goat. One can't help but ponder the reality of the divine when reading about such a character. Very badass indeed.

[TR Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson: Britannia’s God of War
Andrew Lambert - 446 Pages

This book was purchased for me by a friend in Bakewell, England. My friends know that my first career choice was to be a Roman General or Proconsul. The market for that job is pretty nonexistent … so I’ve found the next best thing … leadership in various organizations. Military leaders from ancient times, like Roman Generals or General Washington or Admiral Nelson have something in common. They had to build good leaders around them, manage operations in a way that led to the accomplishment of broad goals, and they engage in an ongoing practice of thinking strategically while having to continually decide and act tactically. In this, their world is not so different than our own. The cost of their failures was certainly high in human blood. In a business world, failure can lead to a loss of jobs, which threatens well being, happiness, and the power to pursue dreams. The world of the ancient generals and admirals teaches us how excellence, or mediocrity, is accomplished under extraordinary pressure and difficulty.

It’s a good book … A little challenging in terms of flow and not terrific at translating the circumstances for modern readers. But, there are some solid insights, meaningful personal details about Nelson, and solid research.

Horatio Nelson was an ambitious and capable naval officer. As he gained higher and higher positions, his strategic genius and genuine ability to appeal to those whom he lead put him in position to save the British Empire more than once. His famous campaign at the Nile and his brave actions at Trafalgar epitomize his compete devotion to country and excellence at his craft of strategic leadership and interpersonal leadership.

Lessons:
1. Humanity matters: “… [Nelson’s] leadership was so much more effective than that of fellow officers because he understood the human condition, and based his command on love, not authority.” In a day when naval commands were run through sheer force of will and whip, Nelson’s ‘touchy feely’ approach gained him tremendous loyalty. Rather than enforce his command with brutality, he chose to inspire and care for his officers and crew. This being said … Nelson was ruthless in dealing with disciplinary problems on his ships. He knew not to confuse caring with indulgence/lack of discipline … which was fatal on a ship at sea.
2. Set High Standards: The author paraphrases a quote by John Lukacs saying “great men make the best of the world, men of genius transform it to conform to their own ideas.” Nelson transformed his ship commands, his management team, and his fleets to reflect his expectation or standard. While certainly exhausting to those he led, it gave them an almost superman-ish sense of confidence when they flew into challenges.
3. Use a Mentor/Be a Mentor: Nelson had several important mentors in his career. He loved and learned a great deal from Admiral Hood and Pitt and others. He became this kind of example and mentor to his immediately captains.
4. Work and Preparation: “… he was busy from dusk to dawn … Most of his work was arduous rather than glorious, organizing work parties to bring up cannon, shot, stories and fascines, building batteries and employing enough seamen to crew a frigate.” Admiral Nelson, on the week before the battle of Trafalgar, sat in his office for 5-7 hours at a time … basically doing email (writing correspondence to the captains of his fleet, handling supply, personnel, and other administrative duties. While no one builds a statue of Nelson sitting at his desk, this important work was essential to the fleets glorious accomplishments at Trafalgar (The battle of Trafalgar was critical because the very Isle of Briton was at stake and Nelson’s fleet was outnumbered by the combined forces of the Spanish and French fleets. It was Nelson’s superior team of captains (whom he had built up), his innovative tactics, and his daring direct attack on the enemy flagship that won the day).

I love Admiral Nelson and finished the book worried that I was not quite up to his standards of excellence and vowed to be better.

[Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not want or expect much of Emma in this, the first biography of Nelson I have read, which I mention only because the lack of Lady Hamilton seems to be the main critique of other reviewers. I myself am a former American Navy officer, and very much appreciated this intro to Nelson that focused on his genius, particularly his first-rate seamanship and empowering of subordinate commanders. I do wish there were more anecdotes and use of primary source quotations, but I am certainly encouraged to read more of Lambert's work. He gets to the point of what he clearly states are his intentions in writing this book.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you might expect, Lambert being a naval historian, this work concentrates on Nelson's professional achievements, and leaves poor old Emma quite in the shade. Quite right, too; it isn't Nelson's love life that makes him interesting. Good accounts of the major actions (although the maps are somewhat pre-owned), and sound analysis of Nelson's tactical and administrative abilities. The work does require some knowledge of the Nelsonian navy - as one reviewer pointed out people are mentioned without any explanation as to their background - but given that, a very thorough (but compact) survey of Nelson's career and his impact on the nation and the Navy both in life and after death. My only quibble is that he protesteth a bit too much in his earnest attempts to clear Nelson of any wrong-doing whatever, and he makes his hero come across as a bit of a plaster saint sometimes. (Although to be fair he does not attempt to conceal that Nelson was also a hypochondriac, an egoist, and a right drama queen). Good read.

[Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book.

Lambert gives us a very clear picture of Nelson's immediate and long term effect on Britain. Nelson was Britain's hope during a very uncertain time. He was the man who focused the British Government and the people on defeating Napoleon and the Jacobins.

Lambert debunks many of the myths surrounding the Black Legend, the death of Cracciolo, and his relationship with Emma Hamilton. I wish that Lambert would have given us some view of how Nelson's progeny, in this day, have turned out.

Would recommend to anyone wishing to understand more British Navel history and its lasting effect on British world dominance. Great read.

[David English · Rating 3 out of 5]

As stated in the preface, this book is designed to be more concise than the majority of Nelson biographies and is mainly concerned with his military education and development. This makes for a great introduction, however at times I felt myself getting lost with the pace. The periods of Nelson's life that Lambert considers important in explaining his development as a military mind are still covered in ample detail.

Overall a great introduction to the man, however, the writing style is definitely more about the content than the style.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good history, with a lot of detail. I found it a comprehensive introduction to the life of Nelson, without being too daunting. My only concern is that Lambert is clearly very pro-Nelson, and he is very quick to dismiss any criticism of the admiral by other authors. I feel that a slightly more measured and impartial approach to the analysis of these issues, particularly Naples and Nelson's relationship with Emma, would have improved the quality of the work.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, compact biography. Probably not appropriate as an introductory bio for someone not already reasonably familiar with Nelson's life/career; occasionally references people, places, and events that haven't been explained or discussed before. Particularly good on how Nelson has been memorialized and remembered in various eras since his death. Good discussion of the historiography of Nelson's involvement in the Neapolitan revolution.

[Pammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting take on a popular subject. Lambert talks about Nelson's life and rise to the pinnacle of his professional career without too much of the usual hyperbole. Comments on aspects of Nelson's life about which I previously knew very little.

[Koit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lambert was worse than usual, but I found the story of this war and man quite endearing of his character. Certainly I am now more favourable towards Nelson and his actions.

[Dinuke Ranasinghe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific insight into a bloody (and single) minded war master. If you liked Von Clausewitz, you may find this interesting.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read other Biographies of Nelson so I cannot compare. Nevertheless I learned much about him. It is dry in places. But overall is an excellent work.