Nelson and Napoleon: The Long Haul to Trafalgar

Having just passed it's 200th anniversary, the Battle of Trafalgar was the deciding battle that enabled Britain to rule the waves for the next century and more. In this book Mr. Lee, the author of the award winning radio history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle,' takes a view of the battle and of the key commanders. The title of the book reflects the main subjects, a rivalry of commanders that had gone on for years. The secondary commanders such as Villeneuve, Cornwallis, Collingwood are likewise covered in detail. This is a well researched, well written history of the battle and the people. There are a lot of histories of Nelson and Napoleon, this book has a lot more on their lower level commanders. Perhaps best however, is the final fifty pages or so. Here is where the battle itself, and the aftermath is described. In addition there is a very interesting 'What If.' 'What if Nelson had lived?' Blind in one eye, he was losing his vision in the other. Politically astute and extremely popular, could he have become Prime Minister, what about his temper - not good in a politician. Very interesting book.