Nelson & His World

This article from yesterday's Times may seem a little off-topic, but it makes some interesting comments on the wranglings of academic historians. History, like biography, involves interpretation as well as research and exposition. Personal prejudices and animosities can also colour judgement and conclusions. Nelson and Naples is a case in point: the events there have produced conflicting assessments, by professional historians and other interested parties, ever since. I was also intrigued to note that the historian John Wilson-Croker, whose papers are of interest to Nelson scholars and enthusiasts, was 'called out' by Lord Macaulay over his writings in the Edinburgh Review!

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/ ... 102204.ece

Anna,

Maybe you should forward this to a certain bigot like David Starkey, what with his attitude to female Authors. He after all is a very bitter man and a complete Nancy! Still waiting for him to prove himself as a first class author!

Privately, he is, apparently, a very kind man - but, of course, being provocative about women historians etc. does get him publicity which he seems to crave. It certainly gets him lucrative contracts with the TV companies who love a bit of controversy. This, of course, only adds to the fury and envy of poorly-paid academic historians!

Stephen,

Somewhat strong words, but I shouldn't put them into print or you'll get some controversy – or is that what you want?

Anna,

Thanks for causing me some amusement with the article. 'Publish and be damned' – a truer phrase was never coined, I think by Dr Johnson, and obviously is as true today as then.

That was Arthur Wellesley, I think when threatened with details of his mistress being published. Not the sort of man you blackmail!

Alaric,

Thanks, I knew I had it wrong!