Publisher: Herbert Jenkins , Barrie & Jenkins , William Collins, Sons,HarperCollins , Year of edition: 1969 Year read: 1992 Language: English
An informative and hilarious adventure through the tumultuous latter half of the 19th century. Fraser artfully borrows the character of Harry Paget Flashman, from Thomas Hardy's Tom Brown's Schooldays and continues the saga of his life as he romps, cavorts, fights, flees, lies, deceives, defends, murders and loves his way through numerous hotspots that littered this era of British colonial history. From the revolt in Kabul, Indian mutiny, first wagon train West, Charge of the Light Brigade, Taiping Rebellion, to Custer's Last Stand, to name a few.
Fraser skillfullly informs us what is historically documented and what is his own inimitable embellishment through extensive footnotes. For example, at a meeting of Heads of State or Generals at war, where not all participants are documented, Flashman appears with criticisms and sometimes affects decisions by makers and shakers of History.
Harry Flashman is a lovable character, despite his chauvinism and numerous infidelities, always harbouring a healthy disdain for authority and affinity for the culture and disposition of native and common folk.
An unparalleled work of Historical Fiction that I urge all to enjoy!
To be able to comment and rate this book, you must be registered. Register here or if you are already registered, login here.
Comments1
Year of edition: 1969
Year read: 1992
Language: English
An informative and hilarious adventure through the tumultuous latter half of the 19th century. Fraser artfully borrows the character of Harry Paget Flashman, from Thomas Hardy's Tom Brown's Schooldays and continues the saga of his life as he romps, cavorts, fights, flees, lies, deceives, defends, murders and loves his way through numerous hotspots that littered this era of British colonial history. From the revolt in Kabul, Indian mutiny, first wagon train West, Charge of the Light Brigade, Taiping Rebellion, to Custer's Last Stand, to name a few.
Fraser skillfullly informs us what is historically documented and what is his own inimitable embellishment through extensive footnotes. For example, at a meeting of Heads of State or Generals at war, where not all participants are documented, Flashman appears with criticisms and sometimes affects decisions by makers and shakers of History.
Harry Flashman is a lovable character, despite his chauvinism and numerous infidelities, always harbouring a healthy disdain for authority and affinity for the culture and disposition of native and common folk.
An unparalleled work of Historical Fiction that I urge all to enjoy!