The Kandyan Wars
The British Army in Ceylon 1803–1818
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
First edition. Hardback in dustwrapper. 22.5 × 14cm, 320pp
Published in the '19th Century Military Campaigns' series, this book tells the dramatic, often bloodthirsty story of how Celyon came to be one of the smaller but nevertheless most dazzling jewels in the British Imperial Crown. "It is not surprising how that an island so richly endowed in both physical beauty and natural wealth, and so conveniently at the cross-roads of the sea-routes of the Orient, should have become the target of Western imperialists. First came the Portuguese, as ling ago as 1505, and remained until 1656 when they were expelled by the Dutch. In 1782, the British gained and lost a toehold on the island with the capture of Trincomalee. Thirteen years later they finally expelled the Dutch. Geoffrey Powell follows the the fortunes of the inhabitants from that time to the final subjugation of the island in 1818. It is a story packed with tragedy and treachery, but relieved, nevertheless, by instances of staggering bravery and lightened by many moments of humour.
Condition
A good copy. There is light edgewear to the wrapper and some small dings to the page edges but otherwise remaining in strong readable condition.
Price
£20.00
