THE BATTLE OF COPENHAGEN 1801 - Nelson's Historic Victory by Feldbaek, Ole

Annapolis 2002 Naval Institute, hard bound in dust jacket, 6 1/2 x 9 1/2,FINE/FINE CONDITION xv, 270 pages, illus, maps, notes, bibliog, index. -----------------------------------------------According to legend, Lord Nelson disregarded a fatally flawed order to withdraw from a devastating cannon barrage off Copenhagen by monitoring battle signals through a telescope with his blind eye. Instead of retreating, he ordered his ship, HMS Elephant, to hoist the engage-more-closely signal flag, and transformed certain defeat into a mythic triumph for both England and himself. Written by the leading Danish authority on the period, this splendid work brings to life Nelson’s historic 1801 victory, immortalized by his famous "turning a blind eye" to his superior’s orders. As well as describing the brilliance of the British tactics, the work reveals the desperate action, great bravery, and appalling casualties suffered by the Danish defenders. This fresh perspective is sure to please Nelson enthusiasts and everyone with an interest in the age of sail.