audiobook The Crimean War: A History by Orlando Figes in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. and a good comparative study in the difference in the training and ...By KateAs there will always be wars and rumors of wars; the study of wars and the history and relationships of empires or nations that lead to war is important because the past has much to teach us; if only we could keep our minds open enough to listen to where the clues others past mistakes could lead us. The Crimean War is a near forgotten war; yet it set the stage for a series of wars and the ending of empires. It was the last war driven by religion and religious disputes; it was the first modern war where weapons and rail and steamship and telegraph had a major impact not only on the carnage but; because it was the first photographed war with war correspondents fired the imaginations of those on the home front who received new with immediacy that was previously unknown. It was also the first war where the common soldier and their plight and their sacrifice was given any acknowledgement.It was a war driven by misunderstandings of each party's intents as was the case of so many wars that had preceded it. It was the first war that saw Christian Europe side with a Muslim nation against another Christian nation. It was a war that saw the implementation of true field hospitals near forward operating bases; it gave birth to Florence Nightingale and the myths that grew around her; of the Siege of Sevastopol; the modernization of logistics; and a good comparative study in the difference in the training and the moral of the soldiers in the field with Brittan and Russia soldiers being the least trained; least provided for and the most miserable; due primarily to the lack of leaders' concerns for their welfare. The French Army had been modernized under Napoleon earlier during the Nepoleonic Wars; in ways that would eventually influence other military commands; generations later.This is one of the best texts I have read on this war; as most have been written from a very British and Russophobic point of view. A worthy read for any history buff. I was glad of previously reading about Catherine the Great which gave me the background on the Russian position on the Ottoman and AustroHungarian Empires and this geographic area that is still being disputed to this day with Putin's incursion and occupation of Crimea; geography and strategic positions always drive wars; and the hubris of those in power. .2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent...Needs Better MapsBy JeffFirst and foremost..."The Crimean War: A History" is an incredible read. Figes delves into many aspects of the war; all in tremendous and thoroughly readable detail. The part of the book I liked and appreciated the best is the significant portion he dedicates to the lead-up to the war; describing its many causes; some of which (like the sectarian and religious aspects) being thoroughly explored beyond what other books have done in the past. While the author encourages readers who are only interested in the military campaigns for skip the initial section; I highly discourage that; for in doing so you will miss the best section of the book. He also does a fine job of describing the aftermath and mythology of the Crimean War. There were some significant lessons to be learned; which were substantially glossed over and romanticized in later years - meaning the lessons had to be re-learned. For me; the weakest part of the book (though while by no means inadequate) were about the military campaigns of the war. Most importantly; the maps on the Kindle were lacking in detail; and in some case were not to be found at all. This is inexcusable for the section on describing military maneuvers. Beyond that one small quibble... the book is thoroughly engaging and enjoyable. Recommended!9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Removing the Romantic Reveals this War's SignificanceBy Jeffrey SwystunThe Crimean War has been heavily romanticized by all those who fought it which has overshadowed its ugliness; scale; and elements that foreshadows what would take place in the First World War. Author Orlando Figes' greatest contribution takes place early in the book when he establishes why the conflict took place. It is a complex mix of religion (sowing seeds that grew into the current issues championed by certain Muslim factions); empire pride; and the vacuum that is described as "The Eastern Question". Figes suggests this conflict could be classified a global war given the diversity of people involved. Incredibly; few people today can recollect anything at all to do with the Crimean war; if they do it may be vague references to Florence Nightingale and the Charge of the Light Brigade.So the author is righting a wrong by providing an extremely well written history. It has elements of an engaging narrative given the first person accounts which are balanced with significant detail. In fact; it is that detail that suggests this is not a pleasure read - it is best consumed by those with more than a passing interest in history. Several aspects resonated and impressed me:- fighting would anticipate the crass; mass method of war to follow while confusingly mixing in quaint codes of chivalry- the book rightfully spends a great deal of time on the siege of Sevastopol. The statistics and lengths of which will amaze: it lasted two weeks shy of a full year and saw 150 million gunshots and 5 million bombs lobbed between the two sides- it was fought with modern technologies; supply chains; and transportation. And extremely interesting are the facts and observations advanced by Figes on the role of media and how it influenced public opinion in Russia; France and England - in starting the war; waging it; and interpreting who won- over 750;000 soldiers lost their lives but this figure is made even more fascinating when it is known that the vast majority died due to disease and poor conditions rather than combat. Figes spends appropriate time describing fighting conditions; medical treatment; and several innovations that became common practice to better care for fighting menThe author's epilogue titled "The Crimean War in Myth and Memory" is an astounding examination of how the conflict has been oversimplified; how it impacted the countries and their militaries who fought it; and how media and propaganda emphasized and inflated innocuous; romantic aspects which; in turn; contributed to war's glorification and ultimate repetition. A thoroughly educational and illuminating history from the author whose superlative "A People's Tragedy: The Russian Revolution; 1891-1924" equally impressed.