Synopses & Reviews
Churchill's First War by Con Coughlin is a fascinating account of Winston Churchill's early military career fighting in the 1890 Afghan campaign, offering fresh and revealing parallels into today's war in AfghanistanJust over a century ago British troops were fighting a vicious frontier war against Pashtun tribeman on the North West Frontier—the great-great-grandfathers of the Taliban and tribal insurgents in modern-day Afghanistan. Winston Churchill, then a young cavalry lieutenant, wrote a vivid account of what he saw during his first major campaign. The Story of the Malakand Field Force, published in 1898, was Churchills first book and, a hundred years later, is required reading for military commanders on the ground, both British and American.
In Churchill's First War, acclaimed author and foreign correspondent, Con Coughlin tells the story of that campaign, a story of high adventure and imperial success, which contains many lessons and warnings for today. Combining historical narrative, interviews with contemporary key players, and the journalists eye for great color and analysis, Churchill's First War affords us a rare insight into both the nineteenth-century "Great Game" and the twenty-first-century conflict that has raged longer than World War II.
Review
"A fascinating book, especially for those not versed in the history of the region. Recommended." —
Library Journal "Coughlin examines the elements of Churchill's life that later took the form of a legendary prime minister, but he also provides a history of Afghanistan that reveals the origins of its modern struggles." —
Publishers Weekly "Reading this book is both an indulgent pleasure and a genuine education." —
Times Literary Supplement“A timely, detailed portrait of the Iraqi dictator.” —Publishers Weekly on Saddam
“An absorbing look at a man who started life as an orphan in a remote and impoverished region of southern Iran and went on to become one of the most influential men in the modern world.” —Booklist on Khomeini's Ghost
“[A] robust portrait.” —Publishers Weekly on American Ally
“Supported by many interviews and expansive research, this book is detailed, fluid, and fascinating.” — Booklist on American Ally
Review
Churchills First War is shortlisted for the Paddy Power Political History Book of the Year Award 2014
“Coughlins portrait of the Pashtun warriors the British fought with dubious success and the parallels he draws with the United States and natos struggle against their descendants are downright unnerving.” —Foreign Affairs
“[Coughlin] has given us a fascinating portrait of a young man who knew what he wanted in life, and set out to achieve it with the relentlessness and determination that would later make him a legend. The book will be of particular interest to those who have fought in the most recent Afghan War. The Talib (students) that Churchill fought are the forerunners of todays Taliban.” —Washington Times
“An absorbing youthful biography” —Kirkus
"A fascinating book, especially for those not versed in the history of the region. Recommended." — Library Journal
"Coughlin examines the elements of Churchill's life that later took the form of a legendary prime minister, but he also provides a history of Afghanistan that reveals the origins of its modern struggles." —Publishers Weekly
"Reading this book is both an indulgent pleasure and a genuine education." —Times Literary Supplement
Synopsis
The definitive biography on the most powerful man in King Henry VIIIs court and the protagonist of Hilary Mantels bestselling series, Thomas Cromwell.The son of a brewer, Thomas Cromwell rose from obscurity to become the confidant of the King of England—and ultimately one of the most influential men in English history. Cromwell drafted the law that allowed Henry VIII to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and marry Anne Boleyn, setting into motion the Protestant Reformation, which left Britain in turmoil for centuries.
Over the course of his controversial career, Cromwell amassed a fortune through bribery and high-interest loans to members of the Tudor court and created many enemies along the way. He became the most hated man in England. His execution was spectacular—beheaded outside the Tower of London, his boiled head was placed on a spike above the London Bridge.
Rich in incident and colorful detail, Robert Hutchinsons narrative history gives readers the real inside look into the life of the protagonist of Hilary Mantels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies.
About the Author
CON COUGHLIN is the executive foreign editor of The Daily Telegraph and a world-renowned expert on the Middle East. He is the critically-acclaimed author of several books, including the international bestseller, Saddam. He appears regularly on television and radio in the United States and the UK to comment on international security issues.