The River War: An Account of the Reconquest of the Sudan Paperback – Facsimile, 24 Jan. 2013

Churchill's description of the lands are sometimes as good as pictures. It is an comfortable read and references many other sources. Explaining the history prior to the Mahdist uprising and although it appears overly detailed at times it flows well and gives the reader a clear idea of the resources and time it took to re -conquer the Sudan. One has to remember that this is written by a soldier of the Queen and a Victorian. Good pros and attention to detail. If you are interested in the area, history and politics of the period read this.

I am not very fond of the literary nose of Churchill, which is not very deep, but this book is full of detail and entertaining.

Probably still a contentious issue after many years and was seen at the time as an attempt to 'civilise' that part of the world.My great uncle fought at the Battle of Omdurman, surviving the conflict itself but succumbing to cholera on the return journey.One of the objections to the campaign from the Jihadis point of view was the European hope of ending the long-established (800 year) trade in African slaves.Conflict and control of the Nile's water resources and their exploitation continues to this day.

One is tempted to draw comparisons with ISIS: A new state is created by Muslim fundamentalists only to be crushed by superior weaponry of the then superpower. But, in this detailed account of the campaign to reunite Sudan with Egypt, Churchill exposes some major differences. Despite “avenge Gordon” and “abolish the slave traders” public pressure, the government was reluctant to take action for a decade. When it did, Churchill explains how the financial burden of Britain restoring Egypt’s southern provinces fell largely on Egypt and the how the resultant conquest was remarkably an Anglo-Egyptian state without either British or Ottoman sovereignty. The military tactics are well described and individual officers named either for bravery or as a casualty. The best bit is towards the end when he describes the Fashoda clash between the UK and France! As one might expect, an elegant read from an accomplished wordsmith.

Great historical review of the era by Winston Churchill. Makes today's problems easier to understand. Quality of the actual book was really poor - but it was second hand.

Although you have to adapt to Sir Winstons writing style, it doesn't take long and much effort. His explanations seem a bit long-winded. However, he takes the reader with him on an amazing, long journey. 13 Years of effort, cash and preparation for the retrun of British and Egyption troops to the Sudan. I have long been puzzled why they were there and what it was all about. It was not just about revenge for the killing of Gen Gordon. It was much much more....In a modern context people might read about Iraq or Afghanistan in a similar way in about 100 years.I think it also helps us to understand Churchill a bit better, as he was there as a yound calavary officer.

The River War is the second book published by Churchill, (1899). It had its origins in a series of despatches sent by Churchill to a London newspaper. These described the expedition up the river Nile, led by Lord Kitchener, to re-conquer the Sudan and culminating in the battle of Omdurman.Churchill was then only in his early twenties but already quite an accomplished writer. He is particularly good at “setting the scene” and describing a landscape. He is also a good reporter of events and can give exciting accounts of actions fought on the campaign.The book also reveal quite a lot about the young Churchill’s attitudes and presumptions, for example his imperialistic view of the right of the British to rule “in foreign climes” in their far flung empire!It is well worth dipping into as a “good read”.

Great read for those interested in the life and adventures of the young Churchill. This book was not written with his usual flair but it was written while he was relatively young and his style had yet to develop. His description of the cavalry charge, in which he took part, is particularly memorable.