Book Review: Go Strong Into the Desert by Mike Snook

Lt. Col. Dr. Mike Snook (who is a badass in his own right) was commissioned by Perry Miniatures to write an introduction to the 1883-85 Mahdist War in the Egyptian-owned Sudan. His book is primarily focused on the battles but also gives a fairly good overview of the context of the war. If you're totally new to the period (like I was several months ago) I'd recommend a couple of the videos by The History Chap for a 10,000 foot introduction.

Snook's book is aimed at wargamers and for this purpose it is indispensable. It contains maps, orders of battle, and the author's photographs of the battlefields. It also collects numerous sketches from eyewitness reporters such as Melton Prior. In fact this is the best collection of war correspondent sketches from this conflict that I've found. Michael Perry also contributes around 40 detailed color illustrations of various soldiers in uniform.

The author's descriptions of the battles are vivid and there are tales of heroics and blunders sure to inspire hobbyists. Numerous first hand accounts from participants are quoted and used to provide a comprehensive view of the events. The author gives justice not only to the British and their allies but also the Mahdist forces, who fought fiercely for a variety of reasons.

For those interested in the details of the Gordon Relief Expedition, I also highly recommend Beyond the Reach of Empire by the same author, which is a voluminous tome that dives deep into the Nile expedition. It not only provides an in depth look at the strategy and logistics of the expedition, but zooms in to events of courage, incompetence, and ferocity both along the way to Khartoum and at the battles of Abu Klea and Abu Kru. The book also provides a deeper understanding of Wolseley's failure to rescue General Gordon.