This biography of Horatio Nelson juxtaposes details of his daily life, loves, friendships and opinions with the great events which make him one of the most memorable figures in British history. This is the story of the man who saved Britain from invasion and gave it maritime supremacy. The book was runner-up for the Whitbread Biography Award.

N.A.M. Rodqer, The Times Literary Supplement
"Tom Pocock presents a complete and completely believable Nelson... It is unlikely that another could have handled Nelson with the confidence and fluency,the combination of detachment and intimacy/which make this book so attractive and distinguished."

Andrew Wheatcroft, Evening Standard
"Tom Pocock understands the Admiral. He is not frightened to say what Nelson thought, or felt. In consequence he has written a remarkably fine biography.... In Pocock's hands, Nelson re-emerges as a whole character. At last we can see why people loved him."

J.W.M. Thompson, The Literary Review
"A moving and absorbing story, here told with distinction."

Ronald Blythe, Country Life
"So here we find the real man....a great read."