Customer Reviews

Tel El-Kebir 1882: Wolseley's Conquest of Egypt (Campaign)

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Let me start by saying the illustrations, maps, battle plans, etc. are very good as is the military information in general. BUT, the author clearly has an imperialist bias, and virtually tries to justify the British invasion and occupation of Egypt. Thus the historical material is fatally flawed. He repeatedly refers to Urabi as a "dictator" when "military leader" might be more accurate and appropriate. The text on the back cover actually claims that Urabi "called for the massacre of Christians." This is grossly inaccurate if not a complete lie. The Urabi Revolt was against European influence and interference in Egypt. Yes, that included foreign missionaries who were seen as part of the problem by Egyptian nationalists - Muslim and Christian alike. Copts were only targeted if seen as collaborating with the Europeans. As Donald Malcolm Reid writes: "'Urabi and the majlis 'urfi moved quickly to squelch attacks on Copts." ("The Urabi Revolution and British Conquest," Cambridge History of Egypt, v.2, p. 236). For a better historical treatment, see: William Wright, "A Tidy Little War: the British Invasion of Egypt 1882" (2009). Buy Featherstone's book only for the graphics and tactical info.