Title
Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan, 183942,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
From William Dalrympleawardwinning historian, journalist and travel writera masterly retelling of what was perhaps the Wests greatest imperial disaster in the East, and an important parable of neocolonial ambition, folly and hubris that has striking relevance to our own time.With access to newly discovered primary sources from archives in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and Indiaincluding a series of previously untranslated Afghan epic poems and biographiesthe author gives us the most immediate and comprehensive account yet of the spectacular first battle for Afghanistan: the British invasion of the remote kingdom in 1839. Led by lancers in scarlet cloaks and plumed helmets, and facing little resistance, nearly 20,000 British and East India Company troops poured through the mountain passes from India into Afghanistan in order to reestablish Shah Shuja ulMulk on the throne, and as their puppet. But after little more than two years, the Afghans rose in answer to the call for jihad and the country exploded into rebellion. This First AngloAfghan War ended with an entire army of what was then the most powerful military nation in the world ambushed and destroyed in snowbound mountain passes by simply equipped Afghan tribesmen. Only one British man made it through.But Dalrymple takes us beyond the bare outline of this infamous battle, and with penetrating, balanced insight illuminates the uncanny similarities between the Wests first disastrous entanglement with Afghanistan and the situation today. He delineates the straightforward facts: Shah Shuja and President Hamid Karzai share the same tribal heritage; the Shahs principal opponents were the Ghilzai tribe, who today make up the bulk of the Talibans foot soldiers; the same cities garrisoned by the British are today garrisoned by foreign troops, attacked from the same rings of hills and high passes from which the British faced attack. Dalryrmple also makes clear the byzantine complexity of Afghanistans ageold tribal rivalries, the stranglehold they have on the politics of the nation and the ways in which they ensnared both the British in the nineteenth century and NATO forces in the twentyfirst.Informed by the authors decadeslong firsthand knowledge of Afghanistan, and superbly shaped by his hallmark gifts as a narrative historian and his singular eye for the evocation of place and culture, The Return of a King is both the definitive analysis of the First AngloAfghan War and a work of stunning topicality.
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We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main subject of 'Return of a King'? A: The book explores the First Anglo-Afghan War, detailing the British invasion of Afghanistan in 1839 and the subsequent rebellion that led to a disastrous outcome for British forces.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Return of a King'? A: The author is William Dalrymple, an award-winning historian, journalist, and travel writer known for his insightful narratives on historical events.
- Q: How many pages does 'Return of a King' have? A: The book has 560 pages, providing an in-depth analysis of the historical events surrounding the First Anglo-Afghan War.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding, which is durable and suitable for collectors and those who prefer a sturdy format.
- Q: When was 'Return of a King' published? A: The book was published on April 16, 2013, marking its availability for readers interested in historical narratives.
- Q: What is the condition of the book? A: The book is sold as 'New', ensuring that it is in pristine condition for readers.
- Q: What insights does Dalrymple provide in this book? A: Dalrymple offers insights into the complexities of Afghanistan's tribal politics and draws parallels between historical events and contemporary issues in the region.
- Q: Is there any additional material included in the book? A: Yes, the book includes access to newly discovered primary sources and previously untranslated Afghan epic poems and biographies, enhancing the narrative.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Return of a King'? A: The book explores themes of imperial ambition, folly, and the enduring complexities of Afghanistan's cultural and tribal rivalries.
- Q: What audience is 'Return of a King' intended for? A: The book is intended for readers interested in history, particularly those looking to understand the implications of the First Anglo-Afghan War and its relevance today.