The Indian Mutiny 1857–58 (Essential Histories) - Softcover

Fremont-Barnes, Gregory

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1846032091 ISBN 13: 9781846032097

Publisher: Osprey Publishing, 2007

Synopsis

In the mid-19th century India was the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire and was protected by the largely native armies of the East India Company. In 1857 discontent exploded into open rebellion, obliging Britain to field its largest army since the Napoleonic Wars, forty years before.

Gregory Fremont Barnes examines the origins of British rule in India, the causes of the conflict, the rival forces and fighting itself, including the massacre of Cawnpore and the epic sieges of Delhi and Lucknow. He also reveals the intriguing truth behind the 'greased cartridge' controversy - the allegation that the introduction of gun cartridges covered in pig fat, an insult to both Hindu and Muslim religious sensibilities, was the catalyst for the conflict. However, once hostilities began the mutineers had no qualms about using the cartridges, thus throwing into question the long-held belief that the mutiny hinged principally on this issue. The discussion of the importance and enduring legacy of the Indian Mutiny makes this essential reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the power of empire.

About this title

About the Author:

Gregory Fremont-Barnes holds a doctorate in Modern History from Oxford University. He is the author of The French Revolutionary Wars, The Peninsular War, The Fall of the French Empire,1813-1815 and The Boer War, 1899-1902. He is currently editing a four-volume Encyclopedia of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars and co-editing a five-volume Encyclopedia of the American Revolutionary War. The author lives in Oxford, UK.

Review:

“An excellent series . . . These books are always beautifully illustrated with contemporary pieces and wonderful maps . . . it's a book you won't put down easily if you are interested in the period.” ―Military Modelcraft on the Essential Histories series

About this edition

• Publisher: Osprey Publishing
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1846032091
• ISBN 13: 9781846032097
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96