The Trials of Eldred Pottinger
Soldier, spy, hero...coward?
By Nigel Hastilow | Publisher: Halesowen Press
About the book
A shameful conquest
A tale of courage, cowardice, incompetence, love, terror, arrogance and imperialism - the extraordinary true story of the first hero of Queen Victoria’s long reign.
Eldred Pottinger defends Afghanistan from invasion by the Russians only to discover the country is to be invaded by the British instead.
The ‘Hero of Herat’ witnesses regime change in Kabul, as the British oust the King Dost Mohammed Khan and replace his with their own puppet, Shah Soojah.
Pottinger’s friend Sir Alexander Burnes is murdered as rebellion gathers momentum and the unpredictable Akbar Khan seizes control.
Winter 1842, 32 degrees of frost. An army of 4,500 soldiers and 12,000 camp followers begins its long march back to India. Over the next few days, thousands die at the hands of the Afghans.
Others, including Pottinger and Eleanor Eden, the woman he loves, are held hostage and live in constant fear for their lives.
When their ordeal is over, Eldred Pottinger, far from being hailed a hero, faces court martial, accused of cowardice and misuse of public money.
Editions of The Trials of Eldred Pottinger
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780955716539
Read an Excerpt
A shameful conquest
A tale of courage, cowardice, incompetence, love, terror, arrogance and imperialism - the extraordinary true story of the first hero of Queen Victoria’s long reign.
Eldred Pottinger defends Afghanistan from invasion by the Russians only to discover the country is to be invaded by the British instead.
The ‘Hero of Herat’ witnesses regime change in Kabul, as the British oust the King Dost Mohammed Khan and replace his with their own puppet, Shah Soojah.
Pottinger’s friend Sir Alexander Burnes is murdered as rebellion gathers momentum and the unpredictable Akbar Khan seizes control.
Winter 1842, 32 degrees of frost. An army of 4,500 soldiers and 12,000 camp followers begins its long march back to India. Over the next few days, thousands die at the hands of the Afghans.
Others, including Pottinger and Eleanor Eden, the woman he loves, are held hostage and live in constant fear for their lives.
When their ordeal is over, Eldred Pottinger, far from being hailed a hero, faces court martial, accused of cowardice and misuse of public money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Trials of Eldred Pottinger about?
A shameful conquest
A tale of courage, cowardice, incompetence, love, terror, arrogance and imperialism - the extraordinary true story of the first hero of Queen Victoria’s long reign.
Eldred Pottinger defends Afghanistan from invasion by the Russians only to discover the country is to be invaded by the British instead.
The ‘Hero of Herat’ witnesses regime change in Kabul, as the British oust the King Dost Mohammed Khan and replace his with their own puppet, Shah Soojah.
Pottinger’s friend Sir Alexander Burnes is murdered as rebellion gathers momentum and the unpredictable Akbar Khan seizes control.
Winter 1842, 32 degrees of frost. An army of 4,500 soldiers and 12,000 camp followers begins its long march back to India. Over the next few days, thousands die at the hands of the Afghans.
Others, including Pottinger and Eleanor Eden, the woman he loves, are held hostage and live in constant fear for their lives.
When their ordeal is over, Eldred Pottinger, far from being hailed a hero, faces court martial, accused of cowardice and misuse of public money.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Trials of Eldred Pottinger?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of The Trials of Eldred Pottinger?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780955716539
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Trials of Eldred Pottinger?
Nigel Hastilow
Who is the Publisher of the book The Trials of Eldred Pottinger?
Halesowen Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Trials of Eldred Pottinger is available as paperback(ISBN 9780955716539)
Is there an audio of the book?
Listen to an audio sample of The Trials of Eldred Pottinger here
Is there a video of the book?
Watch a video about The Trials of Eldred Pottinger here