Victoria's wars through 1861 only
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The book covers the first twenty-five years of Victoria's reign. No wars or campaigns after 1861 are discussed, so expect nothing on the North-West Frontier, for example.
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Great Overview of Early Victorian Wars
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I read many years ago that there was not a day during Queen Victoria's reign when there was not a war going on somewhere involving British forces. Saul David does a great job of describing a number of the early 'small wars' (plus the Crimean War which probably could not be described as a 'small war'), during the period running up to the death of Prince Albert. That is the only 'gotcha' - do not expect this book to cover any wars beyond the date of his death, such as the Zulu War and the Sudan War.
Nonetheless, it's a small 'gotcha' as this is a very well written story. The campaigns are well-described, but Mr David goes further in that he intertwines the descriptions of the military campaigns with a study of the political scene both at home and abroad and a good view of Victoria and Albert as Queen and Consort. He uses, in particular, the Queen's diaries and letters to really bring the era to life which provide a fascinating insight into a Queen who quickly developed a mature and professional political sense. Mr David also provides more than mere descriptions of the military aspects of the camapigns, but gives a good analysis of each scenario from a political and military point of view.
The result is a very readable history book which provides on overview of the wars of the period and the politics surrounding them. As a starting point it is a great starter book which should naturally lead the reader onto more detailed accounts of the many campaigns fought around the world during the 19th Century. Highly recommended.
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BRILLIANT
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A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE EARLY LIFE AND TIMES OF QUEEN VICTORIA AND PRINCE ALBERT AND HER SUBJECTS . A GREAT BOOK EASY TO READ, WELL WRITTEN.
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A good account of the period
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The author was inspired to write his history after reading George Macdonald Fraser's Flashman novels. The novels and this history compliment each other very well.
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Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire
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A thoroughly engrossing and enjoyable retelling of military history during the first part of Queen Victoria's reign up to the death of Prince Albert. The original aspect of this volume however the way in which Saul David has intertwined political and royal events with the succession of "minor" wars including the retreat from Kabul, the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War.
Beautifully written a darn good yarn for all armchair soldiers and historians
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