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Nelson: The Sword of Albion Hardcover – June 11, 2013

by John Sugden (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 48 ratings
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The most authoritative and intimate portrait written of Horatio Nelson

In this epic biography of British history's most celebrated naval commander, acclaimed historian John Sugden separates fact from myth to offer a powerful portrait of the military hero of Trafalgar.

As was true of the Sugden's riveting account of Horatio Nelson's early years (Nelson: A Dream of Glory, 2005), this comprehensive life of Lord Nelson is built from largely overlooked primary documents, letters, and diaries that reach across two centuries to invite us to share Nelson's multifaceted life in the Napoleonic Wars.

The Sword of Albion offers the sweep and intimacy of first-rate historical fiction―revealing the interior lives, for example, of Lord Nelson's wife, Fanny and family and the caring and more passionate Emma, Lady Hamilton, who nursed the war-weary hero back to health in Naples and London after his brilliant victory over the Spanish fleet at Cape St. Vincent in 1797 and the stunning defeat at Tenerife that cost Nelson his right arm.

Today's reader comes to understand that every obstacle in Nelson's path was attacked head-on with an Achilles-like ferocity and resolve. Yet his life was no steady upward trajectory; it was instead plagued by injuries and debt for the commoner admiral in a royal navy and English society dominated by lineage and property. As Sugden points out, "His life was a mission with the essence of a tour de force, hurrying toward a bloody climax that would change the fate of empires."

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  1. Print length
    944 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Henry Holt and Co.
  4. Publication date
    June 11, 2013
  5. Dimensions
    6.43 x 2.41 x 9.46 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    080507807X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0805078077
Next slide of product details
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Admiral Horatio Nelson, along with Captain James Cook, is at the forefront in the pantheon of British naval heroes. This is the second and concluding volume of Sugden’s massive and meticulously researched biography. Here Sugden covers the latter part of Nelson’s personal life as well as the greatest triumphs of his military career, including the battles of the Nile and, of course, Trafalgar. Sugden pays full tribute to Nelson’s tactical brilliance, his leadership skills, and his passionate devotion to duty and country. Yet, if Nelson did not have feet of clay, he was a deeply flawed man who seemed incapable of achieving contentment. Perhaps due to his nonaristocratic background, he had a deep sense of insecurity, which led to chronic friction with his fellow officers. He was trapped in an unsatisfying marriage, and his intense and long affair with Lady Hamilton was prone to severe ups and downs. Sugden’s prose is sometimes dense, and his employment of naval jargon may overwhelm some laymen. Still, this is an ambitious and largely successful conclusion to a biography of a historical icon that has appeal for both scholars and general readers interested in British history. --Jay Freeman

Review

“Perhaps the best biography of Nelson to emerge in the past two centuries…superbly researched and very well-written.” ―The Daily Beast

“This superb warts-and-all biography details the awe-inspiring ups and downs of the final eight years of British Admiral Horatio Nelson's life. Sugden's meticulously researched, highly readable work will no doubt be the definitive portrait of a brilliant, fearless, inspiring warrior beset by flaws and vulnerabilities.” ―PW, "Best New Book of the Week"

“This is an ambitious and largely successful conclusion to a biography of a historical icon that has appeal for both scholars and general readers interested in British history.” ―Booklist

“Superb…In addition to expertly depicting the intricacies of maritime warfare, Sugden's meticulously researched, highly readable work will no doubt be the definitive portrait of a brilliant, fearless, inspiring warrior beset by flaws and vulnerabilities.” ―PW (Starred Review)

“It's clear that Sugden has spent an enormous amount of time on his research into primary sources, many of them newly accessed, and [he] presents a masterly portrait of the hero as a man…This is biography as it is meant to be.” ―Library Journal (Starred Review)

“History repeats itself and it's worth as visit.” ―Examiner.com

“A scholar's dream…tremendously engaging.” ―Kirkus

“A rich and many-sitting read.” ―Library Journal

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co.; 2nd edition (June 11, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 944 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080507807X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0805078077
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.7 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.43 x 2.41 x 9.46 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 48 ratings

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John Sugden

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
48 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers appreciate the book's depth, with one review noting its thorough political background. They also value it as a biography, with one customer describing it as the best book on Nelson's life.

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4 customers mention "Depth"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the depth of the book, with one customer noting its detailed insights and another highlighting its thorough political background.

"...lives up to the authors high standards of scholarship and provides detailed insights into one of England's most venerated sea fighters." Read more

"Long read but very thorough. I waited years for the follow up to the first book...." Read more

"Very detailed, but very well written. I thought I know enough about Lord Nelson, but now I really know all the details of his work and life...." Read more

"...This book also is quite thorough at providing the political background for the naval conflict between England and its enemies...." Read more

3 customers mention "Biography"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the biography, with one noting it is the best book on Nelson's life.

"Best book on life of Nelson I have found, I used it for research leads and was never dissapointed" Read more

"Excellent ! A clear and accurate (warts and all) biography of the great man from where Sugdens first volume left off." Read more

"...The tone and pace is often encyclopedic; of interest to Nelson buffs, but does not compete favorably with accounts advanced by other authors...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great history well researched.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    After reading Sugden's Nelson A Dream of Glory, 1758 - 1797, in 2006 I was eager to read the rest of the story. This book lives up to the authors high standards of scholarship and provides detailed insights into one of England's most venerated sea fighters.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Ashton M Hammar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent book so far! Writing is terrific picking up exactly where the 1st book left off, vivid descriptions of battles and the times of the age, provoking thoughts, and the flaws of a great man/hero. If you like historical biographies I highly recommend.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dale London
    4.0 out of 5 stars The second is not quite as engaing as the first I think as it spent a great deal of time on personal relationships but that is .
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Long read but very thorough. I waited years for the follow up to the first book. The second is not quite as engaing as the first I think as it spent a great deal of time on personal relationships but that is what I suppose makes it thorough and not like all other biographies on Nelson. It seems to dive into the why Nelson did things instead of relating the what and only through military relationships and communications. It is important to get it all but again is is a long read. Worth the price and time for me.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Ken Vernon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedic account of life of Nelson
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Best book on life of Nelson I have found, I used it for research leads and was never dissapointed
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  • jgmegill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Service
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Nelson: The Sword of Albion" delivered on time and at a fair price. Top quality service, thanks.
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  • Dianne Savino
    5.0 out of 5 stars Should not have been sold at full price
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I had a choice to buy this book new or used and I decided on a new copy since the first volume of the biography was excellent. This copy arrived with the pages already yellowing!!!!!! It may not have been used but it was sitting on a shelf for a long time! It should NOT have been sold at full price!!!!!!
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  • Deborah L. Edwards
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! A clear and accurate (warts and all) biography ...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent ! A clear and accurate (warts and all) biography of the great man from where Sugdens first volume left off.
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  • Carl G. Berry
    4.0 out of 5 stars More than you thought you'd need to know!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Very detailed, but very well written. I thought I know enough about Lord Nelson, but now I really know all the details of his work and life. I think back on the 1800s and think they were pretty primitive. Well, they were in some ways, but very sophisticated in others. Not the operating of the ships of the line, but in the diplomatic and daily life of those in government. The multi-faceted challenges of staying ahead of France were very demanding. A long book, but a very good one.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Flash Gordon III
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on September 25, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Monumental! THE work on Nelson!
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