The Crimean War (1853-1856) was the first modern war. A vicious struggle between imperial Russia and an alliance of the British, French and Ottoman Empires, it was the first conflict to be reported first-hand in newspapers, painted by official war artists, recorded by telegraph and photographed by camera. In her new short history, Trudi Tate discusses the ways in which this novel representation itself became part of the modern war machine. She tells forgotten stories about the war experience of individual soldiers and civilians, including journalists, nurses, doctors, war tourists and other witnesses. At the same time, the war was a retrograde one, fought with the mentality, and some of the equipment, of Napoleonic times. Tate argues that the Crimean War was both modern and old-fashioned, looking backwards and forwards, and generating optimism and despair among those who lived through it. She explores this paradox while giving full coverage to the bloody battles (Alma, Balaklava, Inkerman), the siege of Sebastopol, the much-derided strategies of the commanders, conditions in the field and the cultural impact of the anti-Russian alliance.

Concise overview of the first modern war

About the Author
Trudi Tate is an Affiliated Lecturer in English in the University of Cambridge and a Fellow and Tutor of Clare Hall, Cambridge.

Reviews
'Provides an authoritative account of the origins of the conflict, its principal engagements and its geopolitical consequences. The book also makes a very welcome contribution to current debate on the lasting historical and cultural significance of the Crimean War. An excellent introduction.' -- Philip Shaw, Professor of Romantic Studies, University of Leicester



Book Information
ISBN 9781848858619
Author Dr Trudi Tate
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint I.B. Tauris
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 296g