THE ROAD TO BALAKLAVA: STUMBLING INTO WAR WITH RUSSIA. de Troubetzkoy, Alexis S - 1986

Toronto: Trafalgar Press, 1986. 215 pp, 8vo (8 5/8" H). B&w reproductions, photographs, maps. "(S)kilfully traces the causes of the Crimean War and sketches a vivid picture of an age which made possible 'the world's most curious and unnecesary struggle'. Troubetzkoy ingeniously weaves together the varied developments in diplomacy, trade, nationalistic expression and personality conflict in the decade which led to the hostilities. The armies of the belligerents are described (and the) reader is introduced to the principal personages of the drama - Napoleon III, Marshal St. Arnaud, Lord Raglan and the great Russian engineer, Todleben, who, apart from Florence Nightingale, was the only one to earn true distinction during the War. Vividly described are Nicholas I and the Russian Empire." Very light edge wear, color faded at bottom edge of spine, very light wrinkling at top/bottom of spine, faint scratch across rear board. Dust jacket has very light rubbing, tiny chip at top of front flap-fold, very minor edge wrinkling.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good.