A Journal of the Disasters in Afghanistan: A Firsthand Account by One of the Few Survivors [Paperback]

Florentia Wynch, Lady Sale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

A remarkable diary that recounts the dramatic unfolding of the West's first intervention in Afghanistan.

First published in 1843, Lady Sale's Journal describes the first moves in what was to be known as "The Great Game" - the strtegic maneuvring between Russia nd Great Britain on the Northwest Frontier of India. Opening her narrative during the British occupation of Cabul (sic), she records assassinations, tribal insurrection, the disastrous withdrawal of the occupying force, and her own captivity - and eventual release as a result of judicious bribes. recognized as a significant documentary of these events, Lady sale's Journal is an action-filled story of folly, indecision, treachery and tragedy, all the while testifying to great courage and fortitude.

This new edition features an entirely reset text, 12 pages of period illustrations, 3 historical maps and anew introduction with historical background. 5 1/4 x 8 1/2 format.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Florentia, Lady Sale (1790-1853). Wife of General Sale, she remained in Cabul when his force was sent to clear the surrounding passes, little suspecting the threat to those occupying the city. Deprived of almost all her possessions in the ensuing upheaval, she managed to record her extraordinary experiences in a diary she kept with her. After her release she sent her Journal to London for publication, where she became a celebrated figure. Upon General Sale's death in 1845, Queen Victoria awarded Lady Sale a special pension in approbation of her conduct.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Waterlow Co (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972042822
• ISBN-13: 978-0972042826
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,973,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lady Sale was an example of British pluck, March 3, 2010

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Scholasticus (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Journal of the Disasters in Afghanistan: A Firsthand Account by One of the Few Survivors (Paperback)

Unlike Conrad's fictional account of colonialism, Heart of Darkness, Lady Sale's memoir has the added wallop of being based on reality. As the wife of a general sent into the hopeless 1838 invasion of Afghanistan by the British led Indian army, Lady Sale had a front row seat on the action. She survived seige, kidnapping, and primitive conditions as a hostage for several months before her eventual rescue by the British. Most interesting is her relation of how the British leadership in Kabul deteriorated and collapsed under the weight of the environment, both cultural and physical. Much like today, the natives of the Afghan mountains are shown to be double dealers, telling you they are your friends, while plotting against you. But the plotters are always ready to betray each other as well. Lots of fun out there. BTW, the one certain way of getting assassinated in Afghanistan is to cut off your bribery channel to the natives. It turns a "friend" into an enemy at the speed of light.