In 1857 the native troops of the Bengal army rose against their colonial masters. The ensuing insurrection was to become the bloodiest in the history of the British Empire. Combining storytelling with detailed research, Saul David narrates a tale both tragic and compelling. He provides new evidence that the true causes of the mutiny were much more complex, and disturbing, than previously assumed.

Table of Contents

Prologue - "The Electric Telegraph" has saved us; the East India Company; "Carlo" Canning; professional grievances; "Go to hell - don't bother me!"; the conspiracy; the greased cartridges; Mungul Pandy; the storm bursts; Delhi; "The worst of the storm is past"; the mutiny spreads; Oudh; Cawnpore; Satichaura Ghat; the backlash; enter Sir Colin Campbell; the fall of Delhi; the relief of Lucknow; the reconquest of Oudh; the Rani of Jhansi; "War is at an end". Appendices - was 31 May 1857 the date fixed for a general mutiny of the Bengal Army?; the civilian conspiracy and rebel chiefs; the motive for mutiny; the post-mutiny reform of the Indian Army.

About the Author

Saul David was born near Monmouth in 1966 and educated at Ampleforth and Edinburgh University. His previous books, include Mutiny at Salerno: An Injustice Exposed (made into a BBC Timewatch documentary), The Homicidal Earl: The Life of Lord Cardigan, and Prince of Pleasure: The Prince of Wales and the making of the Regency. He lives in Somerset with his wife and two children.