Nelson and his captains - Ludovic Kennedy

Lord Nelson's brilliant naval strategy and unparalleled command gave Britain total supremacy at sea and made him a national hero. Much of his success, however, was also due to the "Band of Brothers" under his command; the most loyal and dedicated officers that the Royal Navy had ever seen. They included Troubridge, that "dear good soul"; Hardy, with whom Nelson was always in accord; Berry, his "right hand"; Fremantle, his staunch supporter; and Hood, gentle and unaffected. Despite their different backgrounds and outlooks, they were united in their devotion to Nelson.;Ludovic Kennedy skilfully interweaves the stories of these captains with that of Nelson himself to give a fast-moving and comprehensive picture of a vital decade in naval history. Alongside a vivid and scholarly account of the great battles, he provides a candid and intimate portrait of Nelson, and of his developing intrigue with Lady Hamilton and its repercussions on his relations with his captains.