Nelson: The Essential Hero

by Ernle Bradford

Just as the Battle of the Nile had occurred at a moment when the nation’s spirits were at a low ebb as it faced the new Napoleonic Europe and the threat to India, so Trafalgar put fresh heart into a Britain that was confronted by disaster upon the Continent. Napoleon’s forces had overwhelmed the Austrians at Ulm. The Third Coalition was shattered, and once more Britain faced the land mass of Europe totally dominated by the Corsican genius.

Horatio Nelson is one of the most inspiring and perplexing characters in British history. He carried inside him a mixture of sheer professionalism and genius, of vanity and courage, of dedication to sacrifice despite his human weaknesses.

This brilliant biography by Ernie Bradford, himself a military historian and sailor who navigated most of the seas that Nelson knew, reads like a thriller. The narrative is full of characters who are daring in the name of king and country, and who man the English vessels against the enemy French.

Naval warfare of the period, and Nelson’s battles in particular, are shown in vivid detail; the author describes the strategies, the tactics, the ponderous bombardments and the terrifying injuries caused by flying splinters. The author also details Nelson’s policy of annihilation of the opposing fleet, making the point that Nelson regarded the escape of a single enemy ship as a failure.

Ernle Bradford (1922-1986) was an historian who wrote books on naval battles and historical figures. Among his subjects were Lord Nelson, the Mary Rose, Christopher Columbus, Julius Caesar and Hannibal. He also documented his own voyages on the Mediterranean Sea.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, 19th Century, 18th Century, Military History

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ernle Dusgate Selby Bradford was a noted British historian specializing in the Mediterranean world and naval topics. Bradford was an enthusiastic sailor himself and spent almost thirty years sailing the Mediterranean, where many of his books are set. He served in the Royal Navy during World War II, finishing as the first Lieutenant of a destroyer. He did occasional broadcast work for the BBC, was a magazine editor, and wrote many books.

Reviews

[Alan Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive biography or a complex man of action, who possessed undeniable courage and was a brilliant naval strategist. His intention to attain all he wanted did not end at the water's edge, nor was it deflected by moral considerations, when it came to his relationships with his wife and subsequent lover. The author gives fair exposure to all sides of his character and leaves the reader to make final judgments.

But, it seems abundantly clear that, but for Nelson's heroics, there would have been no Waterloo nor adulation for the Duke of Wellington, as England would likely have fallen victim to invasion at home or quite possibly defeat against Napoleon.

[Marty Reeder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, I love naval history. And yes, I thought this book would fit in perfectly with that. But what I found was a man who was undoubtedly brave in battle and smart in strategy, but who was by no means a hero. In reality, he was self-conscious to the point divisiveness and immoral to the point of repugnance. I know that is no way to judge how a book is written, except that the author glazes over these points as if they are minor flaws. I don't see it that way. I think they are insurmountable weaknesses. He may have saved England, but he did her no favors with his public conduct and he is no essential hero to me.

[Mike Prochot · Rating 4 out of 5]

An essential book for readers interested in naval history. Outstanding details on the life and times of Nelson. A complicated man of unquestionable bravery and skill yet filled with self doubt and an oblique moral compass, a true Shakesperian character.

The book tracks his life as he moves through military rank. Details on battles, strategy and ship handling as well as his complicated love life. Well organized and well written for the history buff and fans of Nelson. As it is not a "fictional history" piece, non-believers may find it a bit too detailed and dry.

[Julie Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nelson is an exceptionally well researched and crafted book for naval history buffs and those who relish biographies. First published in 1977, it has been re-released recently.
While Nelson's naval career was well known to me, his private life and character was less so. I learned much that surprised me about his personality, focus, and errors. What made him tick, and his two personas – on board and on land.
But I needed maps throughout the book!! Also images of paintings of Nelson, his ships, places, and Emma would have been worth including too.
Recommended.

[Brycehopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too heavy on non-essential details, but very even-handed in the real history.

[Louis C Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pivotal genius in the nature of warfare, blinded emotionally by his vanity