Death or Glory: The Legacy of the Crimean War

by Robert B. Edgerton

Book Overview

In 1853, the Crimean War began as an intensely romantic affair, with officers and soldiers alike taking to the fray with phrases like "death or glory" on their tongues and in their hearts. Nothing stands out more starkly than the toughness of the soldiers who fought so savagely, seldom complained, and only rarely collapsed under war's terrible and relentless stresses. Acts of astonishing bravery, many of them by doctors, women, and children, were...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813337895
• ISBN13: 9780813337890
• Release Date: May 2000
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Fine Book.

Edgerton's book about the Crimean War does not just cover the battles. It covers the British society of that time who thought a war would be a fine thing because they hadn't had one in 40 years. It covers the stupidity of the British high command, both on the spot and in Britain, and the suffering that this stupidity caused those fine British soldiers who did their duty. Kipling would approve of this book.

Not your typical military history book!

Robert Egerton did a wonderful job of expressing what it was like for soldier and civilians who lived (and died) during the Crimean War. The hardships that the soldiers, sailors and civilians endured was truly amazing! Mr. Egerton's description and antedotes really drove this home. I must admit that the book would have been more enjoyable if I had had any knowledge of the Crimean War before I read the book. My ignorance made the battle references somewhat hard to follow. I highly recommend this book.