THE FIERCE PAWNS.

Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1966. 352 pp, large 8vo (9 3/16" H). B&w plates, maps. "In the autumn of 1839, Britain's Army of the Indus marched into the heart of Afghanistan, stormed the reputedly impregnable fortress of Ghazni, and entered Kabul in triumph, thereby scoring considerably in the long-term struggle with Russia for control of Central Asia. For two years the conquerors lived in a fool's paradise; they sent for their wives and children and servants, set up cricket and polo fields. The Afghans bided their time. Then suddenly struck. One of the British authorities was slain, horribly, and the entire band of invaders - troops, families, camp-followers - was compelled to set out for India, through one hundred miles of mountain defiles in the depth of the Afghan winter. Seven days later, one bruised and weary horseman arrived at a British garrison ninety miles away - the only European from that enormous caravan who was not either killed or captured. (This) is a comprehensive and admirable account of the entire war and of the curious, fascinating personalities - British and Afghan - most directly involved in the tragedy." Faint cigarette odor, very light browning to pages, light browning to fore-edge of text block, small bump at top corner of rear board, small crease at top edge of page 161/162. . Hard Cover. Very Good/No Jacket.