The Invasion of the Crimea
Its Origin and an Account of its Progress Down to the Death of Lord Raglan

This monumental work on the Crimean War by an eyewitness was first published between 1863 and 1887.

Alexander William Kinglake (Author)

9781108023986, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 December 2010

442 pages, 7 maps
21.6 x 2.5 x 14 cm, 0.56 kg

Alexander William Kinglake (1809–1891) was a travel writer and historian. He witnessed the battle of the Alma and the Charge of the Light Brigade, and became well acquainted with the British commander, Lord Raglan. This work was commissioned by Lady Raglan to repair her husband's reputation, and Kinglake was given access to Raglan's papers, and to private and confidential state records. The eight volumes were published between 1863 and 1887. They were extremely successful commercially, but received mixed critical reviews, owing to the bias and prejudice shown by the author, and serious questions were raised about his use of the sources to which he was given exclusive access. However, the breadth of his research, corresponding with or interviewing participants in the war, and use of French, Turkish and Russian sources as well as British, gives lasting value to the work. Volume 8 ends with the death of Lord Raglan.

1. The new French commander and the prospects of vigorous action which his leadership seemed to be opening. The strength of the belligerents. The problem awaiting solution. The resolves of Pélissier. The impending strife between him and the Emperor
2. New counter-approaches and consequent fights on the western flank of Sebastopol
3. Pélissier firmly pursuing his chosen plans of attack in defiance of Louis Napoleon
4. The renewed expedition to Kertch, with its sequel in the Sea of Azof, and on the Circassian coast
5. Opening of the third bombardment. Victorious assaults on all the counter-approaches by French and English troops. Conclusion of the third bombardment
6. The siege and defence carried on to the close of the fourth bombardment
7. Eighteenth of June. Abortive attacks of the allies on the Karabelnaya defences. The victorious operation effected by General Eyre
8. Sebastopol after the engagement. General Todleben wounded. His defence of Sebastopol
9. Pélissier after his discomfiture
10. Lord Raglan: his (of late) smooth relations with the home government. The affliction he suffered from the disappointment and losses sustained on the 18th of June. His vital strength appearing to give way. His grief at the loss of General Estcourt. A slight ailment affecting the chief
12. Lord Raglan's insistence on changes in the plan of the siege
13. The death of Lord Raglan
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]