Author Topic: Reading material for NW Frontier? (Read 5439 times)

Aaron · « **on:** October 31, 2009, 08:03:49 PM »

I have access to two fantastic libraries, but I thought I would ask the knowledgeable for suggestions before borrowing a pile of books blind. I'm primarily interested in the Second Afghan War, but any good reads covering the time between the mutiny and the 1904 Tibet expedition would be appreciated!

NickNascati · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2009, 08:27:17 PM »

Look for the "Olgilvie" books by Philip McCutchan. They follow a fictitious Highland regiment on the NW Frontier in the "khaki era", so post - 1880. Decent stories, lots of scenario ideas.

Hammers · « **Reply #2 on:** November 01, 2009, 12:38:59 PM »

I shall post a reading list when I get home. I'm on my third book, ´not counting various Ospreys.

Plynkes · « **Reply #3 on:** November 01, 2009, 01:00:13 PM »

This is a good 'un...

Cracking read, as I recall.

Captain Blood · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2009, 02:09:42 PM »

I've got that Barthorp book - it's a good overview with some great photos.

But I think the definitive text is Captain H Nevill's 'Campaigns on the North West Frontier 1851 - 1908'.
Not only is this an exhaustive study of all the main campaigns and several of the lesser ones, it has the added benefit of having been written at the time (well in 1912) by a serving officer with first hand experience of some of the campaigns.

I have a reprinted hardback edition from a few years ago, which comes complete with a set of excellent maps in a pocket at the back of the book.

I know Admiral Benbow was trying to get hold of this book a while back, and wasn't having much luck - but I've just seen it available at the Army & Navy Press:

http://www.naval-military-press.com/campaigns-on-the-north-west-frontier-1851-1908.html

Tellus · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2009, 08:27:25 PM »

Thank's for that one Captain. Couldn't resist and ordered it on the spot.

Gluteus Maximus · « **Reply #6 on:** November 02, 2009, 09:48:43 AM »

"North-West Frontier", by Arthur Swinson, ISBN 0552082465, first published 1967 by Hutchinson, is a very good general history of the Frontier from 1839-1947.

Probably long out of print, but available at AbeBooks from $1.04:

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?y=0&x=0&isbn=0552082465

and Amazon.com from $5.00

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0552082465/ref=nosim/librarythin08-20

I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is a very useful intro to the subject.

Aaron · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2009, 01:41:33 PM »

Thanks men. I'll be on the lookout for these in the stalls of the various book sellers at the Fall In convention this weekend and failing that will get them from the library. I'm a sucker for maps so Nevil's work is at the top of the "to own" list. I have a pile of Old Glory Pathans and Indian troops soon(ish) to join my Guides cavalry and Pontoonier Gurkhas.

Shikari Sahib · « **Reply #8 on:** November 02, 2009, 03:07:49 PM »

the must is:
"Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India"
various volumes ,7 in total , looks for those of your interest.

Naval and Military press has some on sale.
every conflict,expeditions, with army list, description of battles, plans.
absolutely wonderful.

Piero

Aaron · « **Reply #9 on:** November 02, 2009, 04:08:53 PM »

Grazie Piero! I doubt I could sneak that many volumes past my wife, but luckily www.archive.org seems to have most of them available for free download.
http://www.archive.org/search.php?query=Frontier%20and%20Overseas%20Expeditions%20from%20India%20AND%20mediatype%3Atexts

HerbyF · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2009, 09:40:54 AM »

Soldier Sahibs The Men Who Made the North-West Frontier by Charles Allen, Abacus History.

Hammers · « **Reply #11 on:** November 03, 2009, 10:03:42 AM »

I am mostly interested in the 3rd Afghan War and ensuing campaigns in the NWF^*) but since the Pathans pretty much kept to old customs for a very long time in all but their armament. It is a pity that I have yet not come across a book portraying the NWF conflicts from a strictly Pathan/Afghan point of view. Even later, liberal minded reporters tend to have, inadvertently I am sure, a British perspective.

Anyway, here's my list:

North West Frontier: British India and Afghanistan - A Pictorial Record, 1839-1947 - lots of really cool pictures. My favourite is one with a mule towing a Mk VI. (BTW, where does one get one of those?)

EDIT: found one at Company C (Brigade Games):

The Savage Border: The Story of the North-West Frontier by Jules Stewart, a rather modern perspective. Good reviews.

India Revealed: Art and Adventures of James and William Fraser, 1815-26by Toby Falk, a collection of stunning contemporary watercolour reproductions. Despite its age it is the only study I know of of Pathan costumes. I just wish all the pictures were in colour.

A couple of DVDs to get in the mood:
A Passage To India [1984]
North West Frontier [1959]

^{*) I don't in anyway stick religiously to history but try to play the games with a little more adventurous flair.}

Aaron · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2009, 01:24:12 PM »

Thanks Hammers. I agree that the adventure feel of the game trumps history! I saw your post about the "India Revealed" book and while neither local library has it I can get it through inter-library loan. I'll be requesting that one as soon as I have time set aside for my pile of Pathans!

Hammers · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2009, 01:30:07 PM »

Quote from: Aaron on November 03, 2009, 01:24:12 PM

Thanks Hammers. I agree that the adventure feel of the game trumps history! I saw your post about the "India Revealed" book and while neither local library has it I can get it through inter-library loan.

I should add that this was recommended in this forum by Captain Blood who is a few years ahead of of me with his project.

redzed · « **Reply #14 on:** November 03, 2009, 04:55:27 PM »

I'm finding this site really useful-

2nd Anglo-Afghan War

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