Craig Allen, a Paratrooper for 29 years, returned to 2 PARA as a reservist and unofficial photographer for the Battlegroup's dramatic 2008 Tour in Helmand. As both a respected soldier and photographer he had unrivalled access to the fighting and moved from area to area following the action. Every evening he wrote up his experiences and those of the men he was with, whose trust he had as 'a member of the club'. He had a ringside seat to a very costly summer tour, with the Taliban proving themselves worthy enemies to even the most elite British Army soldiers. His story tells in superb action photographs and no-nonsense prose of the hardships, courage, fears and cost suffered by front line soldiers over prolonged periods. He captures the colour of life and death in Afghanistan for both combatants and the luckless civilian population caught up in this vicious spiral of war. An unforgettable book which has true visual appeal. AUTHOR: Craig Allen has served a full career with the Parachute Regiment seeing active service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and now Afghanistan. He earns his living as a professional photographer, returning to his former Regiment for the 2008 Tour. He has been in a number of warzones as a photographer and security contractor. SELLING POINTS: . Captures the atmosphere of the Conflict in words and superb colour photography . Written by a professional photographer and Para, who served with 2 Para during their eventful tour . Interest in the Conflict has never been greater . The Parachute Regiment is world renowned . The author will be donating part of his royalties to the Army Benevolent Fund ILLUSTRATIONS 100-150 colour photographs *