My Diary in India, in the Year 1858–9

Russell's fascinating diary is a valuable and detailed first-hand account of the Indian Mutiny of 1857–1859.

William Howard Russell (Author)

9781108023504, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

474 pages, 7 colour illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 3 cm, 0.86 kg

William Howard Russell was sent to India by The Times to report on the conflict of 1857–1859 known as the Indian Mutiny. His previous work was in the Crimean War and his exposés of conditions there led to the sending of Florence Nightingale and her nurses, improvements to supplies and conditions, and to the demand for military and administrative reform. It was largely because of his contributions that war correspondence emerged as a new branch of journalism. In his Indian diary, Russell criticises British snobbery as well as attitudes to and treatment of the Indians, and advocates leniency and conciliation. Volume 2 continues his experiences, recounting anecdotes of military and civilian life with sympathy for the native people, intermingled with an unswerving belief in the rightness of the British presence in India. His advocacy of non-military rule, however, made the work controversial in its time.

1. Battle of Bareilly
2. My amanuensis
3. A day of calm enjoyment
4. The church at Delhi
5. Lord William Hay's chuprassee
6. Our jampanees
7. Colonel Barton
8. Shooting
9. Ball practice
10. A halt
11. Wild scenery
12. Telegram from Meerut
13. Visit to the Rajah of Puttiala
14. An agreeable day
15. The proclamation
16. Surrender of the Rajah of Amethie
17. A midnight march
18. Horses and men alike tired
19. A dialogue
20. Our life at Lucknow
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Asian history [HBJF]