Description:
The story of the British Army, from the first standing army in the seventeenth century, via the imperial army of the nineteenth century, the world wars, and the people's army of the twentieth century, through to the much smaller force of the 21st century and the new challenges it faces.
Review Quotes: "An impressive account of a key force not only in British but also in world history." -- Jeremy Black, Emeritus Professor
"Beckett has provided an intellectual treat." -- Edward M. Spiers, Emeritus Professor"The book is a masterful synthesis." -- Choice"Over more than fifty years of publications, Ian Beckett has established a formidable reputation as one of the foremost British military historians. Specialising in the British Army from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, and the decolonisation era of the later 20th century, he has achieved this by writing, in a clear and pragmatic style, books grounded in factual detail, together with a phenomenal grasp of the latest research." -- Stephen Badsey, International Journal of Military History andHistoriography 45"It will be invaluable as a first reference for serious students, and for subject experts in any one period looking for more context and information, and a wider understanding." -- Stephen Badsey, International Journal of Military History and Historiography