ePub Nile 1798: Nelson’s first great victory (Campaign) by Gregory Fremont-Barnes in History

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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nelson's first great victory...By HMS WarspiteHoratio Nelson was a promising Rear Admiral of the British Royal Navy in 1798 when he was given an independent command and orders to track down a French fleet missing in the Mediterranean. After a long chase; Nelson would find the French Fleet at anchor in Aboukir Bay; Egypt. Nelson chose to attack immediately; in the face of superior French numbers and the fading daylight. The resulting 18-hour battle set a high standard for battles of annihilation at sea..."Nile 1798" is an Osprey Campaign Series book by experienced naval historian Gregory Fremont-Barnes; assisted by some marvelous illustrations by Howard Gerrard. Fremont-Barnes takes a methodical approach to his subject; walking the reader through the circumstances of the campaign; the opposing commanders; and their plans and forces. The description of the battle itself is the heart of a clear and readable narrative; and well-done. The text is very nicely supplemented by period and modern illustrations; especially the diagrams detailing combat between specific ships. The discussion of Nelson's tactics and leadership style is also worthwhile. Recommended as a good introduction to the battle.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Vivid Narrative of This Nighttime BattleBy Mike DillemuthAlthough the Battle of the Nile is not as famous as the Battle of Trafalgar; it was every bit as important in Britain's struggle against France. This book gives an excellent synopsis of Admiral Lord Nelson's lesser known battle. The narrative is well written and the events are described in a clear chorological order. The section on the Opposing Commanders is well done. The author; Gregory Fremont-Barnes; moves quickly through the relevant individuals in five pages. He gives just the right amount of information without wasting precious space. The end of the book contains a tactical analysis that is particularly interesting. This analysis describes why certain events happened. He points out mistakes that could have changed the course of the battle. The engagement is separated into three parts; Action Commences; Crescendo of Battle; and the Final Phase. This separation allows the reader to more easily follow the battle's progression. The author does a great job of describing the actions of multiple ships. He did not focus solely on Lord Nelson. This battle was mostly fought at night and the book provides a vivid sense of the chaotic nature of this engagement. This is certainly illustrated by the description of the events surrounding the destruction of the French ship L'Orient. Different people described how a temporary silence fell over the battlefield after the ship exploded. Clearly; everyone was in shock over what just happened. The book has five 2D tactical maps and three 3D Birds Eye View maps. The 2D maps are well done and correctly placed at the corresponding part of the text. The reader should have no problem in following the action by comparing the narrative to these maps. Although the 3D Birds Eye View maps are less informative; they still make a worthwhile contribution. The book has numerous paintings which cover all aspects of this campaign. In some cases; the paintings are stylized exaggerations of an event. Other paintings provide a more accurate image. The book also has three full color battle scenes by illustrator H. Gerrard. All of the paintings; regardless of their factual accuracy; make a valuable addition to the narrative. The reader will obtain a good sense of the scope and ferocity of this battle. Bottom line: this is an excellent book. The author did a great job of covering all the relevant parts of the battle. The narrative; maps; and paintings give the reader a succinct; yet vivid description of Lord Nelson's first major victory.3 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Nelson's First Great VictoryBy Steven PetersonNice addition to the Osprey "Campaign" series. This slender volume explores the battle between Britain and France in Egypt. This represents Nelson's first great victory (the subtitle of the book). The book begins by noting the significance of this fight (Page 5): "The battle of the Nile ranks as one of the most decisive engagements in naval history." Napoleon's greater ambitions in Egypt were thwarted by the defeat of his naval forces. A brief chronology on pages 10-12 helps orient he reader to the train of events.The book proceeds by; first; describing the opposing naval commanders. Horatio Nelson commanded the British fleet. Sand Nelson had capable commanders serving underneath him. The French commander? Francois Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers.Next; the book considers the forces themselves (including the order of battle on pages 22-23); the opposing plans; the battle itself; and--finally--the aftermath. Bonaparte's flight from Egypt at the conclusion of the battle doomed his army.The work concludes with a brief description of "the battlefield today."All in all; a nice introduction to this great British victory--and Nelson's first great triumph on the seas.