History of the Greek Revolution

Published in 1833, this comprehensive two-volume history of the Greek Revolution draws upon Army officer Thomas Gordon's personal experiences.

Thomas Gordon (Author)

9781108043540, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 February 2012

528 pages, 3 maps
21.6 x 14 x 3 cm, 0.66 kg

Thomas Gordon (1788–1841), a British army officer and philhellene, was actively involved in the Greek struggle for independence during the period 1821–8. This two-volume work, published in 1833, provides a comprehensive account of the Greek Revolution, portraying the war 'as it really was' and describing atrocities perpetrated by both sides. In his preface, Gordon acknowledges that the contest between the Greeks and the Turks has been written about a great deal. He sets out his aims to 'clear away exaggeration, rectify errors and anachronisms, and supply omissions', and he draws upon insights gained from having lived and fought for several years in Greece. Volume 2 continues the narrative until the decisive defeat of the Turkish fleet by the European allies at Navarino in 1827, but ends on a note of caution that wider European diplomatic manoeuvres may delay the establishment of an independent Greek government.

Book III: 1. Assembly of Astros
2. Campaign of 1823 in Eastern and Western Greece
3. Campaign of 1823 in the Island of Crete
Book IV: 1. Political aspect of Turkey
2. Naval campaign of 1824, and destruction of Psarra and Kassos
3. Operations in Northern Greece
Book V: 1. Character and plans of the Greek government
2. Progress of the war in Northern Greece
3. Internal affairs and financial arrangements of Greece, in the year 1825
Book VI: 1. Operations in Eastern Greece and Peloponnesus during the winter and spring of 1826
2. Third national congress at Piada
3. Campaign in Northern Greece, and progress of the siege of Athens, up to the end of the year 1827
Book VII: 1. Factions at Egina and Hermione
2. Continuation of the siege of Athens
3. Narrative of events connected with Greece, from the loss of Athens until Capodistria's arrival at Nauplia
4. Second invasion and siege of Chios by the insurgents under Colonel Fabvier
5. Organized system of Greek piracy.

Subject Areas: European history [HBJD]