Nelson and His Captains: Sketches of Famous Seamen
“They are my children; they serve in my school, and I glory in them” – Nelson (of his captains).
Nelson’s personality, his fame, his triumphs and weaknesses, are well known.
Less well known are the lives of his fellow naval commanders who were his comrades and friends.
Nelson and his Captains is a biography that steps back from one man to look at the people that supported him and leant him strength.
These are the people Nelson owed his life to, and who in turn owed their lives to him. Among the eleven short biographies are:
Sir Edward Pellew who famously defeated vicious Algerian pirates.
Sir Thomas Hardy, who was Nelson’s Flag Captain at the fateful Battle of Trafalgar.
Sir James Saumarez whose relationship with Nelson was often tense.
Captain Edward Riou who died serving with Nelson on an attack on the Danish fleet.
Nelson and his Captains brings together a wide variety of sources, including excerpts from letters and captain’s logs to create a clear and vibrant history from the Golden Age of Sail.
Praise for Nelson and his Captains
‘Thoughtfully and enthusiastically written in a simple yet pleasing, vivacious style’ – The American Historical Review
W.H. Fitchett (1841-1928) was a minister, educator and writer, who wrote a column for the Spectator magazine. He published works of fiction and non-fiction, including a four-volume collection How England Saved Europe in 1909.