THE BANNER OF BATTLE: THE STORY OF THE CRIMEAN WAR. by Palmer, Alan - 1987

London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1987. 289 pp, 9 1/2" H. B&w photographs, reproductions. "(P)uts the myths and preconceptions about The Charge of the Light Brigade, Florence Nightingale, the war guilt of Stratford de Redcliffe, the rivalry between Lord Cardigan and Lord Lucan and the patriotic fervour of the English into perspective. Military and naval events are woven into the context of Great Power politics and diplomacy. The Crimean War, often viewed simply as a dramatic incident in the Eastern Question, emerges as a decisive campaign which lowered the stature of both defeated Russia and non-belligerent Austria, thereby changing the power structure of Europe. (This) is the first comprehensive interpretation of the subject stressing the European and Baltic angles, and so bringing the Crimean War clearly and astutely into focus." Previous owner's name in ink at bottom of front free endpaper, light browning to pages and edges of text block. Dust jacket has very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, slight browning on spine.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.