Crimea

By: Orlando Figes

Narrated by: Malk Williams

The terrible conflict that dominated the mid-19th century, the Crimean War, killed at least 800,000 men and pitted Russia against a formidable coalition of Britain, France and the Ottoman Empire. It was a war for territory, provoked by fear that if the Ottoman Empire were to collapse then Russia could control a huge swathe of land from the Balkans to the Persian Gulf. But it was also a war of religion, driven by a fervent, populist and ever more ferocious belief by the Tsar and his ministers that it was Russia's task to rule all Orthodox Christians and control the Holy Land.

Orlando Figes' major new book reimagines this extraordinary war, in which the stakes could not have been higher and which was fought with a terrible mixture of ferocity and incompetence. It was both a recognisably modern conflict - the first to be extensively photographed, the first to employ the telegraph, the first 'newspaper war' - and a traditional one, with illiterate soldiers, amateur officers and huge casualties caused by disease. Drawing on a huge range of fascinating sources, Figes also gives the lived experience of the war, from that of the ordinary British soldier in his snow-filled trench to the haunted, gloomy, narrow figure of Tsar Nicholas himself as he vows to take on the whole world in his hunt for religious salvation.

©2010 Orlando Figes (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Solid Book on the Subject

Not knowing much about the conflict, I was interested in finding out all the details I could on the subject in one book. Orlando Figes, certainly does that and leaves no stone unturned on the subject. From great descriptions of all the historical actors and their stories. To setting up the historical and regional context for both before and after the war, which I personally found as interesting and if not more than the conflict itself. The war, is broken down into all it's events and stages in great detail, gives the reader not only a general's view but also that of the enlisted soldier. Very detailed but not enough to bore you with figures. Last of all, the book is well written and so will most certainly be given anther read. ​

marvelous insight into this forgotten conflict

Very well composed and quite easy to follow, one of the things I appreciated most about this book was it's emphasis on providing context. it's not just the Crimean conflict you're learning about here... no, you're taken into the many origins and far-reaching consequences of the war on both sides aswell. would highly recommend it!

Amazing account of a forgotten war

Orlando Figes has provided a stirring account of an all but forgotten war. The Crimean War is the epitome of war where nothing was truly gained or lost by either side. His description of “Russo phobia” is right on target in regards to the west, and that is what essentially threw the French and British into the heat of battle. But no one won, and thousands upon thousands of lives were lost before Russian capitulation. Malk Williams narration is just right for the pacing of the story.

Excellent detailed history of a forgotten war

Very well researched. Delivery was first rate. I learned a lot from this book. Highly recommend.

recommended

I think the author has done a great job covering the lead-up of the war, the war itself, as well as the long-term consequences. it covers military, political, and cultural topics. The narrator was well suited to the book and did not sound monotone to me. When quoting sources, he adds a subtle inflection or accent to his voice which some may find distracting, but adds clarity to who is speaking at a given time

Far exceeded expectations

Based on the length of Crimea, I fully expected to encounter dull portions. But, I wanted to learn about the Crimean War and so prepared myself to trudge through. I was pleasantly surprised to find Mr. Figes work absolutely engaging from beginning to end. Mr. Williams does an excellent job of narrating as well. I'm truly impressed.

OUTSTANDING !!

I always wanted to learn more about the Crimean war and this outstanding book filled the void.
Orlando Figes is an amazing author and teacher. He is one of my favorite authors. You can find more information about him on Wikipedia.
This was a cruel war, like most wars and it doesn’t seem to stop.
The last chapter, “epilogue” is like I have never read.
So much information.
So many places are mentioned and it helps if you are familiar with geography, if not, Google Earth is helpful.
Everyone, interested in history should listen to this book.
Audible does not carry the “Sevastopol Sketches” by Leo Tolstoy
But I found it on LibriVox.
The narrator of this book did an outstanding job.
My thanks to all involved, JK.

Fantastic

Figes’ work is always a pleasure. This is no exception. Engaging, covers both the macro and micro of the history.

An intriguing dive into the Forgotten War on the 19th Century

I first heard Orlando Figes on the Empire podcast discussing his recent History of Russia, which I listened to and it left me wanting more, so I listened to this. The Crimean War comes off as Europe’s Korean War: it gets lost in the popular imagination between Napoleon and WWI but it’s ramifications remain with us even today. For any history buff or pundit needing context for current events, a great listen!

Very detailed account

Great in-depth story of the Crimean War. The Author did and excellent job also of detailing the events leading up to the war and of the consequences of the war.