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 - 18 answers

I've read hints here and there that there were American soldiers who flipped sides and joined the Vietnamese. Where can I find definitive accounts of these stories? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon on May 17, 2009 - 4 answers

What lessons should the US have taken from history in planning the invasion of Iraq? [more inside]
posted by greytape on Apr 8, 2008 - 24 answers

Looking for an old newsmagazine story about Britain. [more inside]
posted by bigcheesegump on Dec 10, 2007 - 1 answer

My wife & I have been netflixing the HBO series "Rome" and continually find ourselves asking "did that really happen?" or "is that historically accurate?", which has lead us to wonder which book is the definitive "must read" to understand the Roman Empire during Caesar's time?
posted by tangyraspberry on Jul 1, 2007 - 25 answers