The Battle of Dorking (eBook)

George Chesney (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
51 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654740533-7 (EAN)

Infos

In 'The Battle of Dorking,' George Chesney crafts a prescient tale that intertwines fiction with socio-political commentary, capturing the anxieties of Victorian Britain in the face of foreign invasion. Written in the aftermath of the Crimean War and amid growing fears of German imperialism, Chesney employs a blend of speculative narrative and military realism to explore themes of national identity and self-defense. The novella is structured as a hypothetical account of a devastating attack on England, using a stark yet accessible prose style that mirrors contemporary military reports, making it a foundational work in the genre of invasion literature. George Chesney was a notable figure of his time, both as a writer and a military officer, and his experiences undoubtedly informed his depiction of an imagined conflict. His background in the British Army, coupled with a profound awareness of geopolitical tensions, prompted him to confront the vulnerabilities of British society. Chesney's work reflects the cultural zeitgeist of late 19th-century Britain, which wrestled with the complexities of modern warfare and imperialism. 'The Battle of Dorking' is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersections of literature, history, and military strategy. Its vivid portrayal of a nation grappling with existential threats resonates beyond its time, offering insights into contemporary concerns about security and national identity. Chesney's pioneering narrative invites readers to reflect upon the fragility of civilization in the face of aggression, making it a must-read for both scholars and casual readers alike.

Autor

Colonel George Tomkyns Chesney was a British Army officer and writer, notable for his seminal work in speculative fiction, 'The Battle of Dorking: Reminiscences of a Volunteer' (1871). Born on April 30, 1830, in Tiverton, Devon, Chesney embarked on a military career that eventually led to him becoming a colonel. The core of his literary legacy lies in his notable foray into what would later be defined as future war fiction. 'The Battle of Dorking', initially serialized in 'Blackwood's Magazine', envisions a successful German invasion of Britain, igniting a genre preoccupied with future warfare and providing a prescient warning regarding the perceived inadequacies of Britain's military preparation of the time. Chesney's portrayal of a dystopian future where Britain faces defeat stirred the Victorian public and influenced military and political thought. Though he penned other works, none matched the resonance and impact of 'The Battle of Dorking'. His narrative style, which combined detailed military strategy with compelling storytelling, not only captured readers' imaginations but also reflected the anxieties of a society confronting the prospects of modern warfare. Chesney passed away on March 31, 1895, but his contributions to literature, particularly in shaping the genre of military science fiction, remain influential.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 22.11.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Schlagworte: 19th century Britain • 19th century literature • 19th-century war narrative • alternate history books • British Defense • british military history • British speculative fiction • Classic • Foreign invasion • future historian • futuristic war novels • George Chesney • George Chesney author • Historical • Historical cautionary tale • invasion literature • invasion narrative • military preparedness • Military Science Fiction • Military speculation • Military Strategy • Military strategy insight • national preparedness • science fiction classics • Science fiction influence • Socio-political critique • Speculative Fiction • tactical realism • The Battle of Dorking novel • victorian era fiction • War speculative fiction