This is a book which I value tremendously. Rarely are books so well written as this; and whatever Churchill wrote in 1897 in this account still holds very much true, if not more so, for the context of this narrative. Were I to write an account on this subject today, it would hardly differ from Churchills. His opinions are still very much valid, and those who value truthful methods of analysis are well aware of this. This book must not be spurned by experts. Given the nature of the current overall situation prevailing in this region and its effect on the rest of the world, this book becomes more important than ever as a reference primer. Brilliant portrayal of this ferocious area. Both then and now. Was required reading for army officers. Probably should be now.