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  • Trafalgar

  • The Biography of a Battle
  • By: Roy Adkins
  • Narrated by: John Telfer
  • Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (163 ratings)

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Trafalgar cover art

Trafalgar

By: Roy Adkins
Narrated by: John Telfer
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Summary

A superbly researched, gripping account of the most important naval battle in British history, which thwarted Napoleon at sea and created a national hero in Nelson

21 October 1805: Britain, under Nelson, mastered the sea for six hours, annihilating her French and Spanish opponents. In Trafalgar: The Biography of a Battle, Roy Adkins embraces the battle, its prelude and its aftermath, in a narrative that is at once scholarly and breathtakingly exciting.

'At least the equal to Stalingrad in blood, pace and telling detail' Independent on Sunday

'Masterful... a compelling account' Bernard Cornwell, Mail on Sunday

'First-rate... quite fascinating and filled with glimpses of the humanity of the men who fought so coolly yet ferociously' Allan Mallinson, Spectator
©2005 Roy Adkins (P)2020 Hachette Audio UK
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Trafalgar

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Great account.

Enjoyed every minute. Detail was just right. Good balance about what happened in the battle and wider issues and characters. Always enjoyed learning about trafalgar and learned lots more from this. Can’t really think of a criticism it was just the right length and informative.

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I really

enjoyed this book,it was interesting to hear both sides of the story,I can barely imagine one of those battles,such courage and stoicism,incredible,loved listening to the letters from officers and young gentlemen,vey poignant,we've lost something in our use of language.

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Comprehensive and well told

It was quite an insight into every aspect of the battle, what was as at stake, the buildup and the blow by blow coverage. Trafalgar was pivotal to Britain’s preeminence throughout the 19th century and beyond. Well worth listening to understand it more.

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Trafalgar

I've read a number of books on the Battle of Trafalgar ans enjoyed listening to this book as much as any other on the subject. Well read and very interesting

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Beautiful story.

Brilliant, I loved this book. Roy Adkins tells an inspirational tale of a hero, Horatio Nelson. Next time I am driving by Trafalgar Square , I will remember this excellent read.
HMS Victory, moored in Portsmouth is on my to do list.

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Second listen.

Listened again and picked up more this time. I suspect this is one of those books that can be listened to several times and the depth of information releases more each time. cracking read.

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Absolutely Riveting!

Before this audio book, I had very little knowledge of the battle of Trafalgar. This book is so much more than a description of the tactics. It describes the politics, personal accounts, and lifestyles of the various players and compares the opposing forces.
The narrator is absolutely superb, and I will be looking for more books by him. I could clearly visualise certain scenes and was enthralled. Thank you to all who worked on this.

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True life at its best - and worst

From the outset one becomes engrossed in the politics and characters leading up to the tumultuous battle and beyond
Detailed research with first hand accounts coupled with excellent narration takes to reader to the heart of the storm. The weapons with the smell of gunpowder, blood and all else can only capture the bravery of the men and women who did as they were expected
I cannot give enough praise
Footnote, I bought both kindle and audible versions which worked seamlessly

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Seems like everything is in here

Feels very complete and I found it fascinating.

Sometimes it’s not obvious when a quote or extract is being read out rather than the main text.

But not going to drop this excellent work a star for that.

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Brilliant, moving and fascinating.

This book at the perfect balance of detail, emotion and excitement. Fantastically read and very well constructed it really transports you to the period. Will listen to this multiple times for sure.

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