Lord Nelson's brilliant naval strategy and unparalleled command gave Britain total supremacy at sea and made him a national hero. Much of his success, however, was also due to the Band of Brothers under his command; the most loyal and dedicated officers that the Royal Navy had ever seen. They included Troubridge, that dear good soul; Hardy, with whom Nelson was always in accord; Berry, his right hand; Fremantle, his staunch supporter; and Hood, gentle and unaffected. Despite their different backgrounds and outlooks, they were united in their devotion to Nelson. Ludovic Kennedy skilfully interweaves the stories of these captains with that of Nelson himself to give a fast-moving and comprehensive picture of a vital decade in naval history. Alongside a vivid and scholarly account of the great battles, he provides a candid and intimate portrait of Nelson, and of his developing intrigue with Lady Hamilton and its repercussions on his relations with his captains.