Overview

The Crimean War (1853-1856) was the first modern war. A vicious struggle between imperial Russia and an alliance of the British, French and Ottoman Empires, it was the first conflict to be reported first-hand in newspapers, painted by official war artists, recorded by telegraph and photographed by camera. In her new short history, Trudi Tate discusses the ways in which this novel representation itself became part of the modern war machine. She tells forgotten stories about the war experience of individual soldiers and civilians, including journalists, nurses, doctors, war tourists and other witnesses. At the same time, the war was a retrograde one, fought with the mentality, and some of the equipment, of Napoleonic times. Tate argues that the Crimean War was both modern and old-fashioned, looking backwards and forwards, and generating optimism and despair among those who lived through it. She explores this paradox while giving full coverage to the bloody battles (Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman), the siege of Sebastopol, the much-derided strategies of the commanders, conditions in the field and the cultural impact of the anti-Russian alliance.

Full Product Details

9781848858602

Table of Contents

Reviews

`A Short History of the Crimean War provides an authoritative account of the origins of the conflict, its principal engagements and its geopolitical consequences. Furthermore, the author's thoughtful and erudite discussions of literary and visual materials - together with the careful attention given to the significance of journalism in forming public opinion, and of the key roles played by women - mean that the book also makes a very welcome contribution to current debate on the lasting historical and cultural significance of the Crimean War. An excellent introduction.' - Philip Shaw, Professor of Romantic Studies, University of Leicester, author of Waterloo and the Romantic Imagination

‘Provides an authoritative account of the origins of the conflict, its principal engagements and its geopolitical consequences. The book also makes a very welcome contribution to current debate on the lasting historical and cultural significance of the Crimean War. An excellent introduction.’ -- Philip Shaw, Professor of Romantic Studies, University of Leicester

`A Short History of the Crimean War provides an authoritative account of the origins of the conflict, its principal engagements and its geopolitical consequences. Furthermore, the author's thoughtful and erudite discussions of literary and visual materials - together with the careful attention given to the significance of journalism in forming public opinion, and of the key roles played by women - mean that the book also makes a very welcome contribution to current debate on the lasting historical and cultural significance of the Crimean War. An excellent introduction.' - Philip Shaw, Professor of Romantic Studies, University of Leicester, author of Waterloo and the Romantic Imagination, `Trudi Tate's book, besides giving an admirably concise history of the Crimean War which will appeal to a wide readership, also offers new and thought-provoking insights of undoubted interest to the specialist. Whether it be in her analysis of the role of the British press in reporting the war, her examination of the literary response towards it, or her highlighting of the extent to which criticism of the conduct of the war was largely class-based, Dr Tate pronounces with authority. If one aspect of the book were to be singled out for special praise, however, it would have to be her explanation of how the capture of the Russian fortress of Sebastopol was perceived by onlookers and represented in both print and the new art-form of photography. One does not readily forget the passage where the author vividly summarises the reaction of visitors to the shattered ruins of Sebastopol, a mixture of simple pride at martial achievement - `Look at what we have done!' - and frightened awe as the realisation of the destructive power of industrialised warfare on the cusp sank home for the first time: `Look at what we have done.' All in all, a book that can be recommended without reservation.' - Alastair Massie, author of The National Army Museum Book of the Crimean War

Author Information

Trudi Tate is an Affiliated Lecturer in English in the University of Cambridge and a Fellow and Tutor of Clare Hall, Cambridge.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available