Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire [Paperback]

Saul David (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2009

In the early part of Queen Victoria's reign, the British Empire was well on the way to becoming the greatest empire the world had ever seen. This is the story of how it happened and the people who made it happen. In a fast-moving narrative ranging from London to the harsh terrain of India, Russia and the Far East, Saul David shows how Britain ruthlessly exploited her position as the world's only superpower to expand her empire. Yet little of this territorial acquisition was planned or sanctioned by the home government. Instead, it was largely the work of the men on the ground, and to those at home it really did seem that the empire was acquired in a 'fit of absence of mind'. Saul David creates a vivid portrait of life on the violent fringes of empire, and of the seemingly endless and brutal wars that were fought in the name of trade, civilization and the balance of power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Splendid ... a terrific treasure-chest of anecdotes ... a splendidly brisk, cool and judicious narrator Daily Telegraph Incisive and acute ... thorough and occasionally revelatory, [David] always finds a telling phrase, an eye-catching detail or a human story Sunday Times

About the Author

Saul David was born in 1966. He is the author of seven previous books, including The Indian Mutiny (shortlisted for the Westminster Medal for Military Literature) and Zulu. He was the historical consultant for the BBC Timewatch documentary Zulu: The True Story, and presented Sky One's eight-part genealogy series, Royalty R Us, in September 2006.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books (January 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141005556
• ISBN-13: 978-0141005553
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,863,982 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rip-roaring Read, December 18, 2007

By 

J. Yasmineh (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire (Paperback)

Loved this book. For all those interested in military history, the British Empire or the immediate precursors to modern political current affairs, this book describes the fortunes of the British military during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Covering a period from about 1836 onward, David explains in novelistic prose the various campaigns that include such forays as the invasion of Afghanistan, the Sikh uprising and the Indian Mutiny. Well referenced with quotes from letters and writings of those present, it remains easy to read. Interesting and lively, it's one of those rare historical references, at once readable and efficient.

For readers of George MacDonald Fraser's "Flashman" books, you'll find "Victoria's Wars" covers the same period in time and deepens one's understanding of Harry Flashman's exploits ;-)

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Victoria's wars only to 1861, April 7, 2008

By 

another reader - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Victoria's Wars (Hardcover)

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.