A vivid and visceral portrayal of the most famous naval battle in history, focusing on the human cost of war, by a brilliant military historian

'A striking success' The Times

'Fresh, original and brilliantly vivid' Telegraph

'The best all-round book on the subject yet' Spectator

At about 1.15 in the afternoon of 21 October 1805, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson was struck by a 15-millimetre French musket round fired from of the Redoutable, a distance of some 70 feet to HMS Victory’s quarter deck. It fractured his left shoulder, pierced his lung and emerged to sever the spine.

In this fresh and vibrant retelling of the battle of Trafalgar, Paul O’Keeffe traces the course of events both prior and subsequent to that fatal shot: from 6.30 in the morning, as the British ships began their approach towards the enemy fleet, until the cessation of firing that followed the apocalyptic destruction of the French 74-gun Achille at 5.45 in the afternoon.

We also learn about the battle’s dramatic aftermath: how a violent storm destroyed the surviving French and Spanish ships; how news of victory travelled and was celebrated in London; how Nelson’s body was brought home and given a spectacular funeral.

Paying meticulous attention to little explored details, O’Keeffe gives us a front-row view of events. Gripping and immersive, this is a unique account of Trafalgar for a new generation of readers.

‘A gripping read, full of fascinating insights ... deeply moving ... Brilliant’ Adam Zamoyski

‘If you think you know it all about the battle of Trafalgar, think again. Paul O’Keeffe’s new book is full of fascinating information ... His book is a must’ Nicholas Best

Paul O'Keeffe