Nelson: A Medical Casebook

Nelson throughout his life suffered far more than his fair share of ill health, nevertheless his genetic inheritance suggests that had he not been killed at Trafalgar, he would have lived to a great age. Nelson sustained not two, but four serious wounds in four different naval battles and these and their medical results are all examined properly for the first time, as are his many illnesses. Nelson's death has become surrounded by layers of iconographic inaccuracies which are removed in this book and, as a result, show the incredible bravery exhibited by the dying hero as well as the post mortem events. Nelson was possessed of an exceptional character, genuine charisma, and intelligence of genius level, and in this book these aspects of his personality are fully discussed. This important new biography is the first ever full study of Nelson's health, character, and genius, based on original research where he is examined from a medical point of view, expertly interpreted, giving new insights to lay persons and doctors alike.