Nauticalia

In 2002, a treasure trove of Nelson material - much of which was thought to be lost - was rediscovered by the descendants of Alexander Davison, Nelson's best friend. Most dramatically, it included the bloodstained purse Nelson was carrying on the day that he died, complete with gold coins (as shown in our second image). There were also letters from Fanny (Nelson's jilted wife) and Emma, weapons, jewellery and porcelain. This is the story behind the find, and its progress from discovery to auction, in which we come to know Nelson's life in intimate detail. 424 pages, hardback.