Bugles and a Tiger (Cassell Military Paperbacks) [Paperback]

John Masters (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cassell Military Paperbacks | Publication Date: June 13, 2002

John Masters was a soldier before he became a bestselling novelist. He went to Sandhurst in 1933 at the age of eighteen and was commissioned into the 4th Gurkha Rifles in time to take part in some of the last campaigns on the turbulent north-west frontier of India. John Masters joined a Gurhka regiment on receiving his commission, and his depiction of garrison life and campaigning on the North-West Frontier has never been surpassed. BUGLES AND A TIGER is a matchless evocation of the British Army in India on the eve of the Second World War. Still very much the army depicted by Kipling, it stands on the threshold of a war that will transform the world. This book is the first of three volumes of autobiography that touched a chord in the post-war world.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Masters was commissioned into the Gurkha Rifles on the eve of the Second World War and rose to command one of the Chindit columns fighting behind the lines against the Japanese in Burma. He left the Army after the war to pursue a very profitable career as a novelist.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix (June 13, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0304361569
• ISBN-13: 978-0304361564
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,056,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doorway, May 1, 2006

By 

Richard Aubrey (Flushing, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bugles and a Tiger (Cassell Military Paperbacks) (Paperback)

John Masters writes of his early life and the beginning of his career in the Indian Army, particularly a Gurkha regiment.
In this fast-moving book, he manages to explain the viewpoint of the families whose lives for generations were involved in service in India (by extension in less well-known outposts of empire, as well), explain the British regimental system, the institution of Sandhurst, a good view of pre-war India, a fabulously affectionate description of the Gurkha soldiers, and fighting on the Northwest Frontier. Those familiar with Kipling, or current events, will recognize some of the locations.
None of this strikes the reader as a lecture. If nothing else, this book will inform the reader about several subjects which will make understanding certain aspects of history and military affairs much easier.
Masters was clearly an interesting young man; observant and energetic, self-aware, and clearly competent.
The story ends with a large manuver involving several other units. After a night march over nearly impossible terrain, the battalion is in place, supple, tuned, ready. The year is 1939.

Masters' next book, "Road Past Mandalay" about his experiences fighting in Burma, follows naturally and seamlessly.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic coming of age story in British Army, April 8, 2008

By 

Richard J. White (Houston) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bugles and a Tiger: 2 (Hardcover)

Author John Masters turned to fiction after a successful career in the British Empire's old Indian Army. Bugles and a Tiger recounts Master's army years up until World War 2, from military academy days at Sandhurst through service with the famed Gurkhas. The responsibilities of company command mature Masters, until he becomes ready for the greater responsibility thrust upon him in World War 2 . (See The Road Past Mandalay for that story).
Bugles and a Tiger is a warm, thought-provoking, and entertaining look back at a time and place that seem exotic by today's standards. Highly recommended for all, especially those who have an interest in history, India, or a good old-fashioned "ripping yarn".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Charming, May 13, 2004

By 

"rjwhite23" (Houston) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bugles and a Tiger: A Personal Adventure (Hardcover)

This is my favorite military memoir ever. John Masters served as a young Gurkha officer in the twilight of British India shortly before World War 2.
Written in middle age, the memoir tells how Masters grew from cadet to company commander in an Indian Army Gurkha regiment. It's a universal coming of age story enlivened by exotic locales, an attractive protagonist,and and a loving eye for a way of life that was known to be ending while it was being lived.
Masters is a natural storyteller and parts of this book linger in the memory long after it is finished. Master's World War 2 years are also ably described in the sequel, " The Road Past Mandalay". Of the two, I prefer the first: some of Master's WW2 experiences were grim indeed, and the second book is less light-hearted as a consequence.