I was talking with a friend about the "graveyard of empires," b*tching about politics, and we both realized that we knew pretty much nothing about the British experience in Afghanistan in the 19th century. (I have a vague recollection about it being background for some Sherlock Holmes stories. She remembered some Kipling.) What books would you recommend for getting a good understanding of that period of history? Bonus points for an engaging writing style and for not being the length of an encyclopedia. Thanks!
posted by epersonae on Nov 13, 2009 - 17 answers

BookFilter: I'm looking for a concise book on the history of Britain (prehistory to modern day), any suggestions?
posted by nam3d on Aug 26, 2009 - 12 answers

I am looking for a book recommendation that depicts life as a factory worker in Industrial Revolution Britain? [more inside]
posted by jacobean on May 22, 2009 - 15 answers

Help me identity this 1910s/20s/30s British poet (from precious little information). [more inside]
posted by taramosalata on Feb 14, 2009 - 3 answers

Who was the first British Prime Minister to be photographed? [more inside]
posted by boubelium on Feb 27, 2008 - 5 answers

What's the best history of the British Empire you've ever read? I'm looking for something reasonably scholarly but still very readable.
posted by transona5 on May 20, 2005 - 14 answers