SEIZE THE FIRE

What is a hero, and why do we need them? Nicolson sets out to answer that question as he examines the Battle of Trafalgar, which made a hero of Admiral Lord Nelson, and compares the aristocratic backgrounds of the French and Spanish naval officers with the commercial backgrounds of the British officers. Nicolson reads his book with one voice, occasionally monotonous but usually showing his passion for his subject. When he gets to the battle itself, his quiet, even tones give it an extra air of drama. Music or a second voice might have made this production stronger, but Nicolson answers his questions well as he examines battle myth and reality. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]