Chain of Fire
Campaigning in Egypt and the Sudan, 1882-98
Published on 5. February 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
464 pages
978-1-80081-074-7 (ISBN)
Description
Shortlisted for the Military History Matters Book of the Year Award 2026
'Gripping' Britain at War
'Deeply informative and entertaining ... Peter Hart is an excellent guide' Military History Matters
In the 1880s, control over northeastern Africa was a political minefield into which Prime Minister Gladstone did not want to step - until his emissary Charles Gordon was besieged in Khartoum, and the city became the focal point for war.
It was the height of European colonialism. Injustices were administered, bloody battles fought and civilians caught in the crossfire. Among the British officers were figures who would later adopt starring roles in the First World War, such as Egyptian Army sapper Captain Herbert Kitchener.
By turns shocking and dynamic, Chain of Fire examines the terrible desert wars using the testimonies of the men who fought there.
'Gripping' Britain at War
'Deeply informative and entertaining ... Peter Hart is an excellent guide' Military History Matters
In the 1880s, control over northeastern Africa was a political minefield into which Prime Minister Gladstone did not want to step - until his emissary Charles Gordon was besieged in Khartoum, and the city became the focal point for war.
It was the height of European colonialism. Injustices were administered, bloody battles fought and civilians caught in the crossfire. Among the British officers were figures who would later adopt starring roles in the First World War, such as Egyptian Army sapper Captain Herbert Kitchener.
By turns shocking and dynamic, Chain of Fire examines the terrible desert wars using the testimonies of the men who fought there.
Reviews / Votes
Gripping ... an insightful account of the campaigns in northern Africa * Britain at War * Deeply informative and entertaining ... If you want actually to understand what Britain was attempting to achieve in Egypt and the Sudan, Peter Hart's latest book is an outstanding guide ... Do read this book * Military History Matters * Praise for Footsloggers:'An account whose universal truths about frontline soldiering will resonate with every generation * Military History Matters * Powerful, vivid and haunting ... an emotional ride -- Andrew Mulholland, author of 'the Korean War: History in an Hour' A historian and author at the peak of his powers -- Richard van Emden
More details
Edition
Main
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 194 mm
Width: 125 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
400 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-80081-074-7 (9781800810747)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
02/2025
Profile Books Ltd
€16.49
Available for download
Person
Peter Hart was the oral historian at the Imperial War Museum for nearly 40 years. His books include Footsloggers, At Close Range and The Last Battle.