The definitive, chilling account of Britain's involvement in Afghanistan and the first book to document the entire conflict, from the leading academic expert on the subject.
Theo Farrell is Professor and Executive Dean of Law, Humanities and the Arts at the University of Wollongong, Australia. Previously he was Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at City, University of London and, before that, Head of the Department of War Studies at King's College London. Professor Farrell has published several books on military and strategic affairs. He conducted a number of studies in Afghanistan for British authorities and ISAF Command. He remains a Visiting Professor in War Studies at King's College London.
Masterful, irrefutable… [Farrell] records all these military
encounters with the irresistible pace of a novelist.
*Sunday Times*
Authoritative and provocative… For its range and breadth, it is a
tour de force and a must read
*Evening Standard*
A devastating account of the Afghan saga
*Guardian*
The best book so far on Britain's recent war in Afghanistan...also
beautifully written...the new material which Farrell has unearthed
is remarkable
*International Affairs*
There have been many books written on this subject, but Farrell's
stupendous research, clear vision and succinct writing are likely
to outlast them all
*Prospect*
Remarkable… It is full of anecdotes gleaned from hundreds of
diligent interviews with the players on the ground. And for a
devotee of military history, it is a delight… Farrell’s masterpiece
of a must-read… Magnificent
*The Times*
As a reminder of how not to prosecute a war in far-off place that
has confounded the best efforts of many foreign powers over the
centuries, Theo Farrell’s Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan
2001-2014…is surely the last word on the subject
*Evening Standard*
Theo Farrell has written the definitive history of what was
effectively the Fourth Anglo-Afghan War. His encyclopaediac
knowledge of the thirteen-year-long struggle derives from
interviewing many of the key decision-makers – on both sides - as
well as an intimate knowledge of all the written sources.
Well-sourced, well-written and riveting, Unwinnable should be
studied by politicians and in military academies across the West.
‘How to’ books abound; this is the ultimate ‘How not to’ book.
*Andrew Roberts, author of NAPOLEON THE GREAT*
With its broad scope and detail, Unwinnable is akin to an official
history in the finest of British historical tradition. In fact,
whenever the official history does come out, it will find itself in
stiff competition with Farrell’s work.
*Joint Force Quarterly*
This penetrating and superbly researched book explains how the
United Kingdom came to intervene in Afghanistan, how it tried to
meet its objectives, and why these objectives could not be
achieved.
*Professor Sir Lawrence Freedman, author of STRATEGY: A
HISTORY*
There is a small mountain of books on Britain's Fourth Afghan War
and this one stands atop them all; the best single account of the
whole conflict. Clear and simply written without ever being
simplistic; understanding the courage and resolve of the military
without ever being in thrall to it; excoriating political
leadership without ever being unfair, this book is a masterclass in
world class research as well as being a thoroughly good read.
*Professor Michael Clarke, Former Director General of the Royal
United Services Institute*
Masterful. With lucid, pacey prose Theo Farrell brilliantly reveals
the political neglect, military hubris and ultimate fallacy of
Britain's long war in Afghanistan. Unwinnable captures the
frustrating reality of Helmand with remarkable accuracy and will
surely be the definitive account for years to come.
*Patrick Bury, author of CALLSIGN HADES*
A powerful, perceptive and authoritative account of Britain's
military failure in Afghanistan. Farrell delivers a forensic
dissection of what went wrong, and why. Unwinnable should be
required reading for soldiers, strategists and policymakers for
years to come.
*Jason Burke, author of THE NEW THREAT FROM ISLAMIC MILITANCY*
Highly readable and penetrating account ... Many of those who
served in Afghanistan will wish that they had known some of what
Theo has uncovered. For anyone who did not serve there, they could
not hope for a better survey of the campaign.
*Lt-Gen. Jonathon Riley, Former Deputy Commander of the
International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan*
Salutary reading for politicians and generals alike
*Times Higher Education Supplement*
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