Crimea

Crimea by Orlando Figes is a masterful recounting of the tumultuous and devastating Crimean War that gripped the mid-19th century. This war, which resulted in the deaths of at least 800,000 men, saw Russia up against a formidable coalition of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire. The conflict was driven by multiple motives: territorial ambition, religious fervour, and the fear of Russian expansion. Should the Ottoman Empire collapse, Russia could potentially control vast territories stretching from the Balkans to the Persian Gulf.

Not merely a war for land, the Crimean War was deeply rooted in religious convictions. Tsar Nicholas I and his ministers believed it was Russia's divine duty to rule all Orthodox Christians and establish dominance over the Holy Land. These convictions led to a war fought with a tragic blend of ferocity and incompetence.

Figes reimagines this extraordinary war with engrossing detail. It was a conflict that straddled both ancient and modern warfare paradigms. On one hand, it was the first war to be extensively photographed, utilise the telegraph, and be heavily reported in newspapers, earning it the moniker of the first "media war." On the other hand, it was fought by illiterate soldiers led by amateur officers, and saw massive casualties due to disease.

Drawing on an extensive array of fascinating sources, Figes brings to life the lived experiences of those embroiled in the war. He paints a vivid picture of the ordinary British soldier enduring the freezing conditions of his snow-filled trench, while also delving into the haunted psyche of Tsar Nicholas, a man consumed by a quest for religious salvation and determined to challenge the world.

Crimea is an exceptional work by one of the great narrative historians of our time. Figes' ability to weave complex historical events into a gripping and sweeping narrative makes this book a significant contribution to our understanding of a critical yet often overlooked war. For anyone interested in the intertwining of politics, religion, and human struggle, this book offers a compelling and enlightening read.