A forgotten classic that shocked Victorian Britain and helped define the modern genre of military fiction. First published anonymously in 1871, The Battle of Dorking imagines a chilling scenario: a sudden invasion of England by a powerful foreign enemy. Told by an aging veteran recalling the nation’s rapid defeat, the novella exposes the consequences of political complacency, military unpreparedness, and blind faith in national superiority.Chesney’s tale became an i...

In his groundbreaking novella, "The Battle of Dorking," George Chesney employs a vivid, speculative narrative style, blending elements of adventure and political commentary to craft a compelling envisioning of a hypothetical invasion of England. Written in the wake of the Franco-Prussian War, the story is situated within a burgeoning genre of military fiction that reflects contemporary anxieties about national security and imperialism. Chesney's detailed depictions of military strategy and...

In "The Battle of Dorking," George Chesney crafts a compelling narrative that blends speculative fiction with vivid descriptions of a potential military conflict in Britain. Written in the wake of the Boer War, the novella serves as both a cautionary tale and a commentary on the vulnerabilities of the British Empire, employing a realistic style that reflects the fears and anxieties of the era. Chesney's work utilizes the epistolary format to present a near-future Britain facing an imagined...

In 'The Battle of Dorking,' George Chesney crafts a prescient tale that intertwines fiction with socio-political commentary, capturing the anxieties of Victorian Britain in the face of foreign invasion. Written in the aftermath of the Crimean War and amid growing fears of German imperialism, Chesney employs a blend of speculative narrative and military realism to explore themes of national identity and self-defense. The novella is structured as a hypothetical account of a devastating attac...

In 'British Colonial Warfare – 5 Classic Military Tales,' readers are immersed in the complex tapestry of imperial conflicts that defined an era of British colonial expansion. This anthology seamlessly weaves together narratives that span different geographies, from the tumultuous landscapes of the African savannah to the politically charged environments of India and beyond. Each narrative, distinct in its literary style yet unified by shared themes of duty, honor, and the brutal realities...

Paru en mai 1871 en Angleterre, l’ouvrage The battle of Dorking connut un retentissement remarquable et donna lieu à l’édition de nombreuses brochures qui le réfutaient, le complétaient ou le critiquaient. Dès août 1871, il est traduit en français et longuement préfacé par Charles Yriarte. Signe de l’intérêt que l’Europe toute entière prend à cette fable qui, après la foudroyante victoire allemande sur la France, en 1870, trouve toute sa raison d’être.Cette courte nouvelle...

There were critics, even English critics, who have taken so superficial a view of history and humanity as to ask why we should support France, with our blood and treasure, when in morale and intellect it is perhaps the candid truth that we are more on the side of her enemy. It is scarcely necessary to urge in reply that France, if not the one great continental nation, is the one great people of parallel and contemporary development to our own, our comrade, our rival, our nearest social (if...

E-artnow presents this unique collection dedicated to the infamous era of Napoleonic Wars, the short but momentous period that changed the course of history forever and forged the legend that is Napoleon. This collection includes: Historical Works: The History of Napoleonic Wars (Charles Downer Hazen) The Campaign of 1812 (Carl Von Clausewitz) History of the Expedition to Russia (Comte de Philippe-Paul Ségur) Narrative of the Most Remarkable Events Which Occurred in and near Leipzig (Battl...

The Battle of Dorking: Reminiscences of a Volunteer is an 1871 novella by George Tomkyns Chesney, starting the genre of invasion literature and an important precursor of science fiction. Written just after the Prussian victory in the Franco-Prussian War, it describes an invasion of Britain by a German-speaking country referred to in oblique terms as The Other Power or The Enemy.

In "The Dilemma," George Tomkyns Chesney intricately weaves a narrative that probes the moral complexities of human decision-making within the constraints of society. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the novel employs vivid characterizations and a keen psychological insight reminiscent of contemporaneous literary figures such as Thomas Hardy. Chesney's portrayal of societal pressures and the inner turmoil of his characters creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to refle...

Discover the truth behind the stories of legend. This unique collection sheds light on the short but momentous historical period of Napoleonic Wars. The historical works cover the rise of and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, the seemingly endless wars, campaigns and conquests that made him the emperor and eventually determined his downfall. The collection includes memoirs of ordinary soldiers, as well as leading commanders: Historical Works: The History of Napoleonic Wars (Charles Downer Hazen)...

Discover the truth behind the myth, learn about the real people behind legendary names. This unique collection sheds light on the short but momentous historical period that changed the course of history. The historical works cover the rise of and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte, the seemingly endless wars, campaigns and conquests that made him the emperor and at the same time eventually determined his downfall. The collection includes memoirs of ordinary soldiers, as well as leading commanders....