An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

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611. Nelson: Bonaparte Prepares to Strike (Part 4)

October 22, 2025

Description

With Britain at war for more than eight long years, and her people depleted and hungry, how did her government react to the news that Napoleon Bonaparte was planning a full-scale invasion in 1801?...
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Books Referenced

Nelson: A Dream of Glory

Author: John Sugden

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Context:

Referenced as a source about Nelson's command as guardian of the channel. The hosts quote Sugden saying 'despite Boulogne, the end had been creditable' regarding Nelson's defensive work.

The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson

Author: Roger Knight

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Context:

Referenced as 'in his book' - a biography of Nelson. Knight is quoted about Nelson not attending his father Edmund's deathbed, noting 'we all know what's going on here.'

Nelson: Britannia's God of War

Author: Andrew Lambert

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Context:

Referenced as 'in his biography' of Nelson. Lambert is quoted about Nelson never having slept in his own house before October 1801, and also quoted extensively about Nelson's leadership qualities.