Here Sir Winston S. Churchill -- the same man who would go on to lead the free world through its darkest hours during the second world war -- tells...
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reviews
Feb 15, 2011
Ari
rated it: 
Very illuminating. One part history of the Sudan in the late 19th century, one part travelogue, this is another of Churchill's eyewitness accounts of small wars on the fringes of the British Empire near its height. He includes a succinct but detailed explanation of the Fashoda Crisis, which was the last time that war between Britain and France seemed likely.
Many aspects are of interest. The Sudan is still an area of conflict, and The River War has a lot of useful material about peopl More...
Many aspects are of interest. The Sudan is still an area of conflict, and The River War has a lot of useful material about peopl More...
Jul 31, 2011
Michael
rated it: 
This is an interesting account of the British/Egyptian reconquest of the "Soudan", or the Nile valley, from the rebellious Dervishes. It is less literarily lucrative than his other books I've read - such as My Early Life or London to Ladysmith. Noticeably missing are the typical witticisms and tidbits of wisdom that appear in most of Churchill's writings. This is largely because the original 2 volume 1000+ page version was abridged by Churchill in 1902 to remove most of his personal ex
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Jun 13, 2011
Mark
rated it:
Winston Churchill's "The River War" is a well written first hand account of the 1896 Anglo-Egyptian Army campaign to re-conquer the Sudan. Although this narrative was written over 110 years ago there are many parallels between Churchill's experience and current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Churchill gives a good account of the rise of the Mahdi in the Sudan, the fall of Khartoum and the death of Gordon in 1885, and the 1896 "scientific war" conducted by Lord Kitchner
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Dec 17, 2009
John
rated it:
Churchill's prose is rich and descriptive. The first page description of the river Nile hooks you right from the start. He makes clear that the river and the railroad that was built along side it were crucial deciding factors in the war . The importance of mechanization is also highlighted from the steamboats and railway engines to the deadly maxim guns.
The parallels with modern events are striking, in particular the fanatical Muslim army and the invading forces task of rebuilding More...
The parallels with modern events are striking, in particular the fanatical Muslim army and the invading forces task of rebuilding More...
Aug 02, 2010
Patricrk
rated it:
published in 1902 quite readable and entertaining. A war fought almost entirely with Egyptian and Sudanese forces this book gives an account of the "British" reconquest of the Sudan and the revenge of Gordon. A good account of the why of the war as well as the how and military action. Reveals some of the British attitudes of the times.
Jan 31, 2010
Rachel
rated it: 
This is a book that is really meant for those that love battle strategy. I had hopes that it would be more insightful about Sudan, but was a bit disappointed by that. Churchill was a good writter and some parts are interesting but just not the right book for me.
Sep 21, 2007
Brook
rated it: 
The history of the Nile wars of late 19th century, written when Churchill was 25. Churchill was present at the climactic cavalry charge at Omdurman. Churchill was a master of the language even at this early age.
May 18, 2010
More of just a blow by blow account of military expeditions than I expected. Was hoping for at least a little bit of political side to help me make sense of current day Sudan.
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