The Life of Nelson

Robert Southey (1774 - 1843)

In 1813, the year that he was appointed Poet Laureate, Robert Southey published "The Life of Nelson". Horatio, Lord Viscount Nelson was Britain's greatest Naval hero who had been killed during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 during which he had issued that famous message to the fleet; "England expects that every man will do his duty."

In a preface to the first edition, Southey wrote: "Many Lives of Nelson have been written; one is yet wanting, clear and concise enough to become a manual for the young sailor, which he may carry about with him till he has treasured it up for example in his memory and in his heart. In attempting such a work I shall write the eulogy of our great national hero, for the best eulogy of NELSON is the faithful history of his actions, and the best history must be that which shall relate them most perspicuously."
Nelson's example as a seaman was considered so exemplary and Southey's biography so laudable that the American Government gave a copy of the book to every officer and seaman in their fleet. (Summary by Noel Badrian)

Genre(s): Biography & Autobiography

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 00 Preface NoelBadrian
00:09:12
Play 01 Chapter 1 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:30:04
Play 02 Chapter 1 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:29:38
Play 03 Chapter 2 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:21:24
Play 04 Chapter 2 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:24:09
Play 05 Chapter 3 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:29:37
Play 06 Chapter 3 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:29:04
Play 07 Chapter 3 part 3 NoelBadrian
00:24:54
Play 08 Chapter 4 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:36:28
Play 09 Chapter 4 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:28:55
Play 10 Chapter 5 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:29:25
Play 11 Chapter 5 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:38:04
Play 12 Chapter 6 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:36:43
Play 13 Chapter 6 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:38:05
Play 14 Chapter 6 part 3 NoelBadrian
00:36:10
Play 15 Chapter 7 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:28:05
Play 16 Chapter 7 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:25:11
Play 17 Chapter 7 part 3 NoelBadrian
00:25:05
Play 18 Chapter 8 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:29:25
Play 19 Chapter 8 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:27:30
Play 20 Chapter 8 part 3 NoelBadrian
00:28:10
Play 21 Chapter 9 part 1 NoelBadrian
00:32:44
Play 22 Chapter 9 part 2 NoelBadrian
00:29:20