History of Warfare: Wars of Empire
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the European domination of immense portions of Asia and Africa dramatically accelerated. To many proponents of imperial expansion, the creation of these vast colonial empires was the inevitable result of technologically, morally, and perhaps even racially superior cultures asserting themselves over "backward" peoples, for the benefit of both master and mastered. Porch, a history professor and specialist in military history, discounts ideas of inherent superiority, and he illustrates that European triumphalism was not inevitable. Despite their obvious technological inferiority, many African and Asian peoples showed great capacity for innovation and adaptability in resisting conquest. This is an exciting saga, written by a gifted writer with the capacity to explain military tactics and strategies in laypersons' terms. It is filled with a fascinating array of characters who demonstrate mobility, knavery, and vanity while acting upon a broad stage. The lush illustrations highlight but do not detract from the text. This outstanding book will delight both scholars and well-informed general readers who appreciate a great story well told.Jay FreemanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.