Although Nelson dominates the naval history of the late eighteenth century, in many respects his achievements marked the culmination of a developing tactical tradition in the Royal Navy. The contribution of his predecessors has been neglected, however, largely because so few admirals have received proper modern study. Precursors of Nelson adjusts the record by providing a series of in-depth biographical essays of the most important figures of the period, each written by a well-known specialist in the field. Contributors include Peter le Fevre on Torrington, John B. Hattendorf on Rook and Shovell, Timothy Bean and Ann Coats on Leake, Chris Ware on Byng, David Aldridge on Norris, Daniel Baugh on Wager, Richard Harding on Vernon, Nicolas Rodger on Anson, Ruddock Mackay on Hawke, Kenneth Breen on Rodney, Roger Knight on Howe, Michael Duffy on Hood, Roger Morris on Barham, Pat Crimmin on St. Vincent, Andrew Lambert on Cornwallis, and Brian Lavery on Keith.