On the Irrawaddy, A Story of the First Burmese War (1897)

Description

George Alfred Henty was a notable novelist and war correspondent who wrote many short stories such as For the Temple, The Dragon and the Raven and In Freedom’s cause. He also wrote stories with a more historical approach, such as the currently reviewed “On the Irrawaddy : A story of the First Burmese War”. This novel follows the adventures of young protagonist Stanley as he embarks on a journey that will find him in the middle of the great conflict.

Perhaps not as terrifying according to modern standards, the three Burmese Wars have become an example of a disastrous military campaign during which as many as 50 percent of army officers died in an attempt to conquer Burma with its royal Ava family as well as parts of India. During the conflict, more than 15,000 British, Burmese and Indian soldiers died. At the end of the third Burmese War, Britain had gained control of large areas in northern India as well as Burma.

The story takes place during the First Burmese War. A young man by the name of Stanley embarks on a journey to find fortune and fame on the notorious yet wild and dangerous river Irrawaddy. Little does he know that he will be sucked into the conflict and that he will find himself in the middle of terrible events that will have far reaching consequences for many involved.

The adventures on Burma’s beautiful Irrawaddy River are supplemented by historical, geographical and explanatory footnotes that will help readers understand more about the background of the story as well as geographical locations where action takes place.

“On the Irrawaddy : A story of the First Burmese War” is a thrilling adventure story as well as a history lesson about one of the costliest wars of the 19th century.
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