Sunday, December 6, 2015

Review of "Beyond the Reach of Empire" by Colonel Mike Snook

Author:  Colonel Mike Snook.
Title:  Beyond the Reach of Empire:  Wolseley's Failed Campaign to Save Gordon and Khartoum.
Publisher:  Frontline Books.
Copyright:  2013.
Pages:  578.
Price:  35.00 British Pound Sterling.

Overview and Impressions:
I finished Beyond the Reach of Empire:  Wolseley's Failed Campaign to Save Gordon and Khartoum by Colonel Mike Snook this morning.  It's an indictment of General Sir Garnet Wolseley.  The real blame lies with Prime Minister Gladstone wanting Egypt to abandon the Sudan.  His choice of sending General Charles "Chinese" Gordon was a mistake.  Wolseley's plans to use the Camel Corps and whalers were also another.  Starting in January 1885, instead of November 1884 was another.  Sending too few men, etc....

Col. Snook is an expert on the Battles of Abu Klea and Abu Kru.  He has a wonderful eye for tactical details.  He gives an another idea for a rescue plan that reaches Gordon in time and comes up with some practical possibilities.  However, I think the Sudan 1884-1885 ranks up with colonial disasters like Adowa given the final outcomes.  Recommended.

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