the Life and Legend of Horatio Nelson

Many times while reading this biography I had the distinct feeling that the author, Terry Colman, did not much care for the man he was writing about. Though this makes reading this work somewhat less pleasurable, it still appears well researched and the analysis of the tactics and the man himself quite interesting.

This account of the life of Nelson paints the famous hero as a spoiled, petty and egocentric man who though some good luck, an uncanny knack for spotting an enemies weakness, shear force of will and the boldness to go against orders to exploit every opportunity handed to him made Nelson one of great naval commanders of his time and inspired his men to great loyalty in his men. Though at the same time equally inspired enemies in the Royal Navy.