Trafalgar eBook

A vivid and visceral portrayal of the most famous naval battle in history, focusing on the human cost of war, by a brilliant military historian'A striking success' The Times'Fresh, original and brilliantly vivid' Telegraph'The best all-round book on the subject yet' SpectatorAt about 1.15 in the afternoon of 21 October 1805, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson was struck by a 15-millimetre French musket round fired from of the Redoutable, a distance of some 70 feet to HMS Victory s quarter deck. It fractured his left shoulder, pierced his lung and emerged to sever the spine.In this fresh and vibrant retelling of the battle of Trafalgar, Paul O Keeffe traces the course of events both prior and subsequent to that fatal shot: from 6.30 in the morning, as the British ships began their approach towards the enemy fleet, until the cessation of firing that followed the apocalyptic destruction of the French 74-gun Achille at 5.45 in the afternoon.We also learn about the battle s dramatic aftermath: how a violent storm destroyed the surviving French and Spanish ships; how news of victory travelled and was celebrated in London; how Nelson s body was brought home and given a spectacular funeral.Paying meticulous attention to little explored details, O Keeffe gives us a front-row view of events. Gripping and immersive, this is a unique account of Trafalgar for a new generation of readers. A gripping read, full of fascinating insights deeply moving Brilliant Adam Zamoyski If you think you know it all about the battle of Trafalgar, think again. Paul O Keeffe s new book is full of fascinating information His book is a must Nicholas Best