Product Description

Beautifully illustrated from the work of pioneer war photographers, this is a marvellously readable account of the British Empire at war. From the British invasion of Egypt to the tragedy of Gordon of Khartoum, it culminates in General Kitchener's march to Omdurmann that saw Winston Churchill participate in one of the last battlefield charges by British cavalry. Michael Barthorp reveals the strengths and weaknesses of Queen Victoria's army, its brilliant but wayward officer corps and the professional soldiers who inspired so many Kipling poems.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #666961 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 190 pages

About the Author
Michael Barthorp is an internationally acknowledged expert on the Victorian army. His published books include THE ZULU WAR, WAR ON THE NW FRONTIER and THE BOER WARS.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic photographs support the page turning narrative!
This volume is worth every penny for the remarkable black and white photographs alone! The splendid pictures featuring many British military units are the work of pioneer war photographers and remarkably date back to as early as 1882, making this volume a must for military historians and family history researchers, together with model makers and militaria collectors alike.

The narrative is engrossing, encouraging the reader to turn the pages and learn more about this fascinating period in British history - a time when many of our regiments were awarded battle honours that remain on regimental colours and form part of their cap badges and uniforms today .

The author initially covers the period when British forces fought the French at Aboukir Bay, he then continues to recall events in 1882 when they again landed in Egypt to secure the strategic Suez Canal. The campaign in the Sudan is featured in excellent detail too and is supported by a number of maps and engravings of early paintings and drawings.

Truly, a valuable addition to any military enthusiasts library .

Windsow Castle
I bought this wondering if it would help me understand the Gulf War (why and how).
The text I found well written and found it a "page turner". The photographs are a bit disapointing. I expected Gettysburg and found instead lots of group pictures.
Reading it, I found my visit years ago to Window Castle coming back to mind and my wondering then what all those trophies are and Gordons Bible etc. Now I know.