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The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson

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The Life of Horatio Lord Nelson

By: Robert Southey
Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
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Having entered the British Navy at the age of 12, Horatio Lord Nelson achieved the rank of captain at the age of 20. As captain, he was quickly recognized as a magnetic and controversial figure. He triumphed at Cape St. Vincent and the Nile, but failed at Tenefife and Boulogne. With the glories of Copenhagen and Trafalgar yet ahead of him, his ardent passion for Emma Hamilton, the wife of a British Ambassador, cast a heavy shadow over his career.

Audacious in battle (he once ignored a superior's order to cease action at Copenhagen by putting his telescope to his blind eye and saying he could not see the signal) and winner of some of Britain's greatest victories, Nelson possessed an extraordinary amount dash and courage, thus rendering him one of history's great romantic figures.

©1990 Robert Southey (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Politicians Politics & Activism Royal Navy
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I can see a few folks have been tripped up by the tone of the narration. The point is that this book was written by a contemporary of Nelson who was a noted historian, social reformer and poet. He experimented with laughing gas with Humphrey Davey and corresponded with Emily Brontë - telling her women shouldn’t bother with literature. He’s not a disinterested modern observer and had to be brought to life this way. Good book. Great narrator. Thanks.

Excellent narration completely “in character”

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I bought this title because of interest in the subject, a truly fascinating man's history; however, I found I couldn't listen to the end because of the horribly affected nature of the narrator's voice, particularly his nasal intonation and slurred sibilants (unless it's his natural voice, in which case a deeply unfortunate and very poor choice of person to read this compelling story).

If you are thinking of purchasing this title, I cannot suggest strongly enough listening to a sample first: You may be less affected than I was. I didn't do this and thoroughly regret it.

This is not a reflection on the text, or the author, since as a book to read it might be excellent, but I shall be exploring other histories of Lord Horatio Nelson, better suited for listening to instead.

Excellent story, utterly ruined (for me) by the narration. Avoid!

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Superbly narrated and written with care and feeling, this account of Nelson's life is inspiring as it is informative. Highly recommended.

Stirring naval history!

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The book was full of fact but not that interestingly put forward. The orator was monotone and you have to concentrate hard to maintain focus.

Nelson review

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Written over 200 years ago, this book is hard to follow in places, but equally is a thorough account of the life of Nelson without a modern day lens.

It’s probably needs 2 or 3 listens though to get the most of it.

Of its time

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