A unique phantasmagoria of crime and punishment, which combines the shadowy terrors of Goya with the tumescent life of Dickens

A triumph of research, passion and fine writing. I found it an extraordinary and compelling book to read, one of fantastic scope and imagination; truly a tour de force

Riveting

With its mood and stature...The Fatal Shore is well on its way to becoming the standard opus on the convict years

An enthralling account of the convict settlement of Australia, thoroughly researched and excellently written, brimming over with rare and pungent characters, and tales of pathos, bravery, and horror

Popular history in the best sense...its attention to human detail and its commanding prose call to mind the best work of Barbara Tuchman

I could not have enjoyed it more and think it quite excellent ... Should be read by young - and old - Army officers who go to Afghanistan. It is a great pity some of those who involved us in what is going on now did not understand what we would be up against

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a well-rounded, no-nonsense overview of Afghanistan. A brilliant read

David Loyn, a long-time BBC foreign affairs reporter, has written a brilliant history book of Afghanistan's wars of the past two centuries, but more importantly the evidence he amasses poses a primary question about the war being fought in Afghanistan: are we sure this is a good idea? The lesson from history suggests it might not be . . . it is a bleak conclusion to a book that should be a must-read for every politician who sends our squaddies into Afghanistan - but one based fairly and squarely on the weight of history

Excellent ... Should be slipped into President Obama's Christmas stocking

A seminal book that I know for a fact is sitting on a number of British military commander's desks well-thumbed, as they strive to get to know their enemy in Afghanistan

Some of our worst failures there might have been averted, if only we'd bothered to learn the lessons of the past. This book should become a core text

Impressive . . . Should be required reading for everyone in the Foreign Office

The interior designer, journalist and socialite Nicky Haslam has met almost everyone who's anyone

It is...boisterously good company and proof that if Haslam knows one thing, it's that you can only get away with a life like his if you are never, ever boring.

a terrifically entertaining read

extremely diverting, essentially kind-hearted and well written