Battle for the Falklands

By: Max Hastings

Narrated by: Cameron Stewart

The Falklands War was one of the strangest in British history - 28,000 men sent to fight for a tiny relic of empire 8,000 miles from home.

At the time, many Britons saw it as a tragic absurdity, but the British victory confirmed the quality of British arms and boosted the political fortunes of the Conservative government. But it left a chequered aftermath; it was of no wider significance for British interests and taught no lessons. It has since been overshadowed by the two Gulf Wars, however, its political ramifications cannot be overestimated. Max Hastings’ and Simon Jenkins’ account of the conflict is a modern classic of war reportage and the definitive book on the war. Republished as part of the Pan Military Classics series, The Battle for the Falklands is a vivid chronicle of a call to arms and a thoughtful and informed analysis of an astonishing chapter in the history of our times. Max Hastings, author of over 20 books, has been editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard. He has won many awards for his journalism, particularly his work in the south Atlantic in 1982.

©1983 Max Hastings (P)2014 Audible Studios

Probably the definitive work on the Falklands

This is the most comprehensive look at the war. While the battle descriptions are good, the most interesting is the political dimension to this conflict. In an even handed manner the flaws and miscalculations of Britain, Argentina, and the United States are shown.

An excellent study in how pride and hubris can lead to a conflict, that only the bravery and determination of the soldiers, sailors, and air crew can get their political masters out of.

Good Detailed Look Into The Falklands War of 1982

Loved the book and the amount of detail it went into the Falkland War, especially the pre-war situation in both Britain and Argentina.

a great perspective

A great perspective from both the political and the military side of the story.

Narration was excellent.

great historical story

Very informative on the way government departments battled against each other because of individual preferences. Narration was excellent. History is always very informative.

Back benches and Battle

An engrossing history of the lead up to, and the commencement of hostilities; In what may be one of the last wars of empire.

Classic Hastings

Max Hastings is a master of his craft. This just might be the definitive book on the Falkland conflict.

The Story behind the Story of the Falklands war

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Hastings and Jenkins have provided a very detailed account of what happened before the conflict and the failure of the major powers to settle a very simple question by diplomatic means. Efforts by Great Briton, the US and Argentina to resolve the question of who should own this tiny piece of real estate went back many years but after numerous meetings by various high powered teams of negotiators agreement could not be obtained.
Argentina then took the first step by sending troops to occupy the islands, effectively challenging Great Briton to do something (or nothing as they assumed) about it.
There followed the decision to take back the Islands by force and this forms the major part of the story.
A fascinating tale of success in spite of many errors and mistakes by all those involved. Very well written and an excellent narration by Stewart

What other book might you compare Battle for the Falklands to and why?

I have listened to a number of Hasting's books and have yet to find one that has proved to lack interest. All his works are well researched and, more importantly a great story to tell. His work "Bomber Command" and "The Second World War" are both highly recommended

Have you listened to any of Cameron Stewart’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Have not heard Cameron Stewart before. His delivery was excellent including pronunciations of the Spanish and other foreign names and places.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not sure?

Any additional comments?

This book comes highly recommended.

Falklands War

A useful narrative of the Falklands War from beginning to end. I think the coverage of the events leading to the war is excellent. The war itself is well documented, but perhaps there would be more details of some of the major battles in places. Well narrated. Definitely worth reading if you have an interest in the Falklands War.

Always a good read!

Max Hastings, regardless of the subject, is always a good read! He's indepth with the facts but also tells the personal side.

very interesting

this was a very interesting account of this war. The book provided a very nice overview with historical context and also gave a very good description of the events leading up to the war and the events through the war. The only thing it didn't really address was the aftermath