Battle for the Falklands

By: Max Hastings

Narrated by: Cameron Stewart

Length: 16 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The Falklands War was one of the strangest in British history - 28,000 men sent to fight for a tiny relic of empire 8,000 miles from home.

At the time, many Britons saw it as a tragic absurdity, but the British victory confirmed the quality of British arms and boosted the political fortunes of the Conservative government. But it left a chequered aftermath; it was of no wider significance for British interests and taught no lessons. It has since been overshadowed by the two Gulf Wars, however, its political ramifications cannot be overestimated. Max Hastings’ and Simon Jenkins’ account of the conflict is a modern classic of war reportage and the definitive book on the war. Republished as part of the Pan Military Classics series, The Battle for the Falklands is a vivid chronicle of a call to arms and a thoughtful and informed analysis of an astonishing chapter in the history of our times. Max Hastings, author of over 20 books, has been editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Evening Standard. He has won many awards for his journalism, particularly his work in the south Atlantic in 1982.

©1983 Max Hastings (P)2014 Audible Studios

Probably the definitive work on the Falklands

This is the most comprehensive look at the war. While the battle descriptions are good, the most interesting is the political dimension to this conflict. In an even handed manner the flaws and miscalculations of Britain, Argentina, and the United States are shown.

An excellent study in how pride and hubris can lead to a conflict, that only the bravery and determination of the soldiers, sailors, and air crew can get their political masters out of.

Good Detailed Look Into The Falklands War of 1982

Loved the book and the amount of detail it went into the Falkland War, especially the pre-war situation in both Britain and Argentina.

a great perspective

A great perspective from both the political and the military side of the story.

Narration was excellent.

great historical story

Very informative on the way government departments battled against each other because of individual preferences. Narration was excellent. History is always very informative.

Back benches and Battle

An engrossing history of the lead up to, and the commencement of hostilities; In what may be one of the last wars of empire.

Classic Hastings

Max Hastings is a master of his craft. This just might be the definitive book on the Falkland conflict.

One sided--British view

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

A narrative history--well done-- as usual for Max Hastings

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Hastings does make an effort to present the Falklands crisis in context of Argentine history and politics, but still rather one-sided British perspective. Other wise a very good history of the war.

So British it hurts sometimes.

The style, focus, and context of the book are all unashamedly British. The authors (and narrator) thankfully don't try to hide that, but I had hoped for something a little more unbiased. Part of that may be because of the long term fallout from the topic and that much of the primary material is from the British side of things so it's somewhat forgivable.

That being said, the content is excellent, and the authors do go out of their way to criticize and compliment both sides. And the level of detail is in just the right spot for my tastes. It can give an excellent taste of what both the people on the ground were thinking as well as a higher overview.

I definitely learned a lot about a fight I'd only had vague references to before.

At the level of Ryan in the telling of war history

This is my first Max Hastings book but it will not be the last. I often tell people that my favorite war history is a book by the name of Pegasus Bridge by Stephen Ambrose. It is a great story about a critical but small operation during the D Day landings in France.

Hastings is in that style and for those interested in learning about the last war of empire this book is a critical and beautifully assembled collection of strategic, tactical and individual narratives that allows one to see the folly of overconfidence and the instability of a world were extreme violence and loss of life can occur over the most trivial of issues.

I have ordered more Hastings books and look forward to hearing them.

Max Hastings at his finest

Sir Max Hastings is always an astute, forthright historian. The Falklands conflict is one little understood limited war, one fought by the British against Argentina. A limited conflict from the start, it was unnecessary, but still fought with valor. Hastings was an investigative journalist at the time, and his insight into the happenings are those that only one close to the war itself would be aware and have access to. Superb narration by Cameron Stewart. An all around eye opening listening.