The story of Horatio Nelson's life - his naval glory, public fame, charismatic leadership, scandalous romance, and untimely death as he led the British to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar - has ensured his enduring position as England's favourite hero. This engaging, full-length biography of Nelson (1758-1805) presents a gripping account of his climb to fame as well as the fascinating details of his personal and emotional life. A man of contradictions, Nelson emerges in this biography as a ruthless and aggressive leader, the epitome of a fighting commander; an ambitious attention-seeker capable of self-pity, self-delusion, and childish behaviour; yet to be admired for his transcendent courage, kindness and leadership skills, which inspired love and affection in those he led. "This is a splendid biography, not only because it is well written and well researched, but also because it neither seeks to demean the hero nor excuse the man. Heroism becomes the more remarkable when it is shown by people who in other ways are very like ourselves." L.G. Mitchell, Times Literary Supplement "A formidable addition to the already crowded Nelson canon ...Vincent's publishers have done him proud. There are excellent maps and battle diagrams; the illustrations are copious, and many have rarely been seen before." Paul Johnson, Literary Review "This full-blown biography offers a profusion of detail about Nelson's health and finances, his way with the welfare and discipline of his men and how his battles were fought and usually won ...A true portrait of an extraordinary man." Tom Pocock, Spectator "This is a wonderful book, the best modern biography of Britain's greatest admiral." John Keegan, Daily Telegraph "Edgar Vincent has written a robust, level-headed account of Nelson's life." Adam Preston, Financial Times "A stately literary battleship, bristling with truly terrifying military and biographical detail." Sunday Telegraph Shortlisted for the BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize.

Edgar Vincent, an ex-member of the Royal Navy, is a member of the Society for Nautical Research, the Navy Records Society, the 1805 Club and the Nelson Society. He has been researching and writing about Nelson for many years.

"This is a splendid biography, not only because it is well written and well researched, but also because it neither seeks to demean the hero nor excuse the man. Heroism becomes the more remarkable when it is shown by people who in other ways are very like ourselves." L.G. Mitchell, Times Literary Supplement; "A formidable addition to the already crowded Nelson canon... Vincent's publishers have done him proud. There are excellent maps and battle diagrams; the illustrations are copious, and many have rarely been seen before." Paul Johnson, Literary Review; "This full-blown biography offers a profusion of detail about Nelson's health and finances, his way with the welfare and discipline of his men and how his battles were fought and usually won... A true portrait of an extraordinary man." Tom Pocock, Spectator; "This is a wonderful book, the best modern biography of Britain's greatest admiral." John Keegan, Daily Telegraph; "Edgar Vincent has written a robust, level-headed account of Nelson's life." Adam Preston, Financial Times; "A stately literary battleship, bristling with truly terrifying military and biographical detail." Sunday Telegraph"