James Atkinson

Afghan Expedition - Notes and Sketches from the First British Afghan War of 1839-1840 James Atkinson

James Atkinson travelled to Afghanistan in 1838. A superb artist and famous scholar who had translated Persia¿s national epic, this renaissance man had been designated the Superintending Surgeon of a massive British invasion force resolved to place a sympathetic ruler on the Afghan throne. The ill-fated British force fought its way through the Bolan Pass, swept through Kandahar and conquered Kabul. Soon afterwards Atkinson was released from duty, thereby escaping the catastrophe which awaited his comrades. During the subsequent rebellion the British political agent was beheaded and an estimated 16,000 British soldiers and their dependents were slaughtered in a week by the vengeful Afghans. After the English captured Kabul, Atkinson¿s eyewitness account of these turbulent events was rushed into print while British interest was at its peak. The astonishing true chronicle of events was a best-seller. Yet though the surgeon¿s observations remain important, his forgotten artistic depictions are priceless. Once again the ravages of war are taking a toll as a new generation of British soldiers struggles against formidable Afghan warriors in that notoriously difficult country. In an ironic literary twist a serving British cavalry officer currently stationed in Afghanistan, 2nd Lt. Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, provides a moving Introduction to Atkinson¿s tale, explaining how his forefather fought alongside the author in the conflict of 1838. With a special Foreword by the noted historian and author, Jules Stewart, this beautifully illustrated edition of Atkinson¿s inclusive work is released in the hope that its timely appearance will help bring about a deeper understanding between England and Afghanistan.