The First Anglo-Afghan War: A Historical Retreat from Kabul

william mees: Retreat from Kabul is so well organized and presented , I had no trouble following the complex political elements of this superior history. Every officer and small unit leader should read .

United States on May 24, 2022

William Sumrall: I’d always heard about the British disaster in Afghanistan but this is the first time I’ve read about it. A theater of the absurd is the best way to describe the administration of the region. And the way General Elphinstone conducted military operations was so politically correct that it’s no wonder his army was obliterated.

United States on Jan 21, 2022

David French: Having read this account,and having witnessed the defeat of the Russians at the hands of the Afghan fighters,what ever made the allies think that they could do any better?

United Kingdom on Dec 29, 2021

DB & MJS: Here we go again, 100 years later !

United Kingdom on Oct 07, 2021

T. A. Hoff: A decent book on the topic, but keep in mind that it was originally written nearly 60 years ago and that is reflected in the style. A couple of historical errors bubble up, for example, when discussing one British general's military career the author places the Battle of New Orleans during the American War of Independence rather than in the War of 1812. However, unlike a lot of history, it is very readable and conveys the story well. I do wish the author had differentiated between European and Indian troops fighting for the British cause, lumping them all in, mostly, as British. On a few occasions he makes it clear when the soldiers in question were sepoys or sowars. All in all though, a good overview of a disaster that was a result of refusals to make a decision. Or worrying too much about the political ramifications of a decision. Which shows that history just repeats itself. You will leave disappointed in Elphinstone and Macnaghten, and rightfully so.

United States on Sep 29, 2021

Richard W: An interesting read but how unimaginative with ‘unnamed’ chapters - 1 to 28. I’m guessing this is a reprint which has been slapped together at the last minute. Type face and formatting somewhat average.

United Kingdom on Sep 04, 2021

Clifton Dobbs III: For me this was a compelling page-turner. I hated to put it down, and, looked forward to picking it up each day. This is a must read for anyone interested in military history. Everyone who invades Afghanistan ends up telling a sad story. Not a place to be taken lightly.

United States on Aug 28, 2021

Jon Zerin: An excellent account of the series of ill conceived military and political decisions which led to what was possibly the greatest disaster in the annals of British colonial history. I found the narrative very readable, not dry and weighed down with excess logistical data, but not bereft of necessary logical information. It is certainly a tragic tale in more ways than the obvious horrific loss of life . The lives of soldiers and non combatants alike were sacrificed to the ambitions of unworthy men, to the incompetence of the British colonial governor in India, and the favoritism he showed for incompetent officers placed in authority. It being an older book, the author's pro imperialist point of view, his disdain for the enemies of the British Empire comes through at times, but not enough to make more than few dubious claims completely cringe worthy.

United States on May 20, 2021

Ta Breakspear: Very good read

Well worth the time.fills in all the gaps in the story I knew.recommend to any one interested.

United Kingdom on May 09, 2021

Robert: The slaughter of innocent men, women and children of the camp followers. The freezing conditions, the lack of food, and the poor leadership of those in charge. A terrible tragedy, that needed to be told. The author has done an excellent job bringing this episode to light, and allowing us to see what a few fanatics can do.

Australia on Apr 11, 2021