
audiobook
by William Henry Giles Kingston
Volume One--Chapter One. - The Story of Nelson.
Volume One--Chapter Two.
Volume One--Chapter Three.
Volume One--Chapter Four.
Volume Two--Chapter One. - The Grateful Indian.
Volume Two--Chapter Two.
Volume Two--Chapter Three.
Volume Two--Chapter Four.
Volume Two--Chapter Five.
Volume Two--Chapter Six.
From the moment a boy dreams of hoisting sails, the sea becomes an unmistakable call. In this vivid opening, a youthful enthusiast is whisked to Greenwich, where the Royal Hospital for Seamen stands as a living monument to England’s naval heritage. There, a kindly lieutenant and a weather‑worn veteran invite him to sit on a riverbank and listen to the recollections of a man who sailed beside Lord Nelson from his first command.
The old sailor’s voice spills anecdotes of daring exploits, camaraderie among shipmates, and the formative moments that shaped the legendary admiral. He recounts how a frail, seemingly unsuited child was brought aboard a cutter, only to reveal a fierce spirit that would later command fleets. The narrative blends personal memory with the larger sweep of British naval triumphs, giving listeners a sense of intimacy and historical grandeur.
The conversation draws the listener into deck life—the clang of iron, sun‑blasted decks, and the quiet resolve of men bound by duty. It promises a vivid portrait of Nelson’s early years as seen through those who truly knew him.
Full title
The Story of Nelson also "The Grateful Indian", "The Boatswain's Son" also "The Grateful Indian", "The Boatswain's Son"
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (209K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2007-11-16
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1880
Known for lively sea stories and adventure tales for young readers, this Victorian writer turned his love of travel and the natural world into books packed with action, exploration, and moral courage.
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