What are you currently reading?

[Mark]

A similar thread to this one was started over on our sister-forum which proved popular and so I thought I'd do the same here. I found it quite inspirational for choosing my next read and adding new books to my personal library.

So what Victorian wars related book are you currently reading?

For me it is 'Redcoat' by Richard Holmes. Although it begins in the Napoleonic period it reaches up to and includes the Indian Mutiny so covers a number of areas of interest to me.

Mark

[Will Mathieson]

I have just finished "The Lives of a Bengal Lancers" Though it starts in 1905 a little late for Victorian, the Indian country it is set in and the contents are very much Victorian. A good read with a very different ending than I would have imagined, but it may be in the title "Lives".
I have read that the movie does not follow the book at all.
If you have any interest in yoga and its real meaning, the latter part of this book is for you.

[Mark]

Sounds an interesting read, Will! Anyone else currently got a good book on the go?

Mark

[SWB]

"Unbuttoned" - the story of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry 1899-1902, by Robin Drooglever privately published 2011.

Excellent!

[QSVC]

Hello,

I've been reading The Life & Times of a Victorian Officer by Benjamin Donisthorpe Alsop Donne though I'd have to say 'reading' these days can cover a number of months. Covers his service in the Soudan, North West Frontier, Anglo Boer War and includes a number of his water colours. Well worth picking up if you see it available.

Robert

[Dixie]

Hi all,

I've been reading "A Dangerous Fortune" by Ken Follet. (Pillars of the Earth) Although fictional, the author has clearly done his research and it gives a very interesting insight into the civillian lives of the upper classes, including their clubs and various scandels! Highly recommended.

[Mark]

Some good books there! Keep them coming...

Mark

[trooper]

The Pocket Hercules. Biography of Captain Morris, 17th Lancers. Very good read. Trooper

[Mark]

The Pocket Hercules. Biography of Captain Morris, 17th Lancers. Very good read. Trooper

Sounds interesting! I have a soft spot for the 17th Lancers too! What campaign(s) did Captain Morris take part in?

Mark

[geoffri]

Second time for this one:

Eight Months Campaign Against the Bengal Sepoy Army.

The Indian Mutiney Experiences of an Officer of the Bengal Horse Artillery

George Bourchier

**************************
Bourchier's is a well known and highly regarded eyewitness account of the Indian Mutiney as experienced and witnessed by an officer of that most famous of Indian Army corps d'elite - The Red Men - the galloping gunners of the Bengal Horse Artillery.

Geoff

[Mark]

Another excellent suggestion!

Mark

[Maureene]

The book above is available in Google Books (full view)
Eight Months' Campaign Against the Bengal Sepoy Army During the Mutiny of 1857, published 1858
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=NGoLAAAAIAAJ&pg=PR3

Cheers
Maureen

[trooper]

The Pocket Hercules. Biography of Captain Morris, 17th Lancers. Very good read. Trooper

Sounds interesting! I have a soft spot for the 17th Lancers too! What campaign(s) did Captain Morris take part in?

Mark

Gwalior and First Sikh War with the 16th Lancers, then, after transferring to the 17th, the Crimea and the Mutiny. Interesting notes about previously unknown members of the charge. Trooper

[Mark]

Does anyone here collect military related books? I am thinking more of orginal period books published and printed during Victoria's reign rather than modern publications.

Mark

[Dixie]

Mark,

I am collecting various regulation related books, I currently have original copies of the following:

1873 Queens Regulations
1883 Trumpet & Bugle sounds for all branches of the army
1885 Volunteers in Regimental Camps, or when encamped with the regular forces, orders & instructions for
1888 Engineering Military - Instructions on Field Defences
1891 Volunteer Regulations
1896 Infantry Drill

I also have a reprint of the 1881 Volunteer Regulations and 1901 Dress Regulations for Officers of the Army.