RETURN OF A KING: THE BATTLE FOR AFGHANISTAN, 1839-42 By William Dalrymple

return of a king
Anyone involved in our conflict in Afghanistan, or anyone trying to understand that trouble country, should read William Dalrymple’s brilliant Return of a King. Although Dalrymple’s book deals with only three years, he takes the time to give his story historical context. Here’s a sample:

Then there were the different tribal, ethnic and linguistic fissures fragmenting Afghan society: the rivalry between the Tajiks, Uzbecks, Sunni and Shia; the endemic factionalism within clans and tribes, and especially the blood feuds within closely related lineages. These blood foods rolled malevolently down from generation to generation, symbols of the impotence of state-run systems of justice. In many places blood feuds became almost a national pastime–the Afghan equivalent of country cricket in the English shires–and the killings they engendered were often on a spectacular scale. Under the guise of reconciliation, one of Shah Shuja’s chiefs invited some sixty of his feuding cousins “to dine with him,” wrote one observer, “having previously laid bags of gunpowder under the apartment. During the meal, having gone out on some pretext, he blew them all up.” A country like this could only be governed only with skill, strategy and a full treasure chest. (p. 5)

I particularly enjoyed Dalrymple’s inclusion of aspects of “The Great Game,” the spies from Russia and Britain dueling in the shadows. Those of you who’ve read Kipling’s Kim know how exciting these stories cam be. Although Return of a King is 515 pages, the pages flew by! This is military history at its best. Highly recommended! GRADE: A

8 thoughts on “RETURN OF A KING: THE BATTLE FOR AFGHANISTAN, 1839-42 By William Dalrymple

  1. Prashant C. Trikannad

    George, I have read excerpts from some of William Dalrymple’s historical books including those set in India, during the Mughal rule. He is a brilliant writer and I don’t know why I have never read his books fully. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
    1. george Post author

      Rick, after reading RETURN OF A KING, you have to wonder why anyone would want to get involved in that hellish real estate. The Greeks, Brits, Russians, and now us lost blood and treasure over there for no discernible gain.

      Reply

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