OUTRAMS & HAVELOCK’S PERSIAN CAMPAIGN

The names of Havelock and Outram will forever be associated with the relief of the epic siege of Lucknow in the Indian Mutiny. But this book is a graphic account of an earlier episode in the two Generals’ military careers, when they commanded a punitive expedition into Persia and modern Iraq in 1856, the year before they achieved immortality at Lucknow. Hardly had their successful operations in Persia concluded, than news reached Persia of the mutiny which called Havelock and Outram to India. Written by Captain G.H Hunt, a junior officer who took part in the campaign (and who died of cholera while the book was going to press) the book is edited by the military historian Goerge Townsend who had added an interesting and informative outline of Persian history for those unfamiliar with the ancient roots of this key country and empire. With Iran a key player in the equally troubled region today, this book will be of keen interest to students of Middle Eastern history, not least for an account of the author’s visit to Baghdad. Illustrated by engravings of Persian scenes, this book is a rare account of an overlooked Imperial episode.