A very good one volume account of both the diplomatic efforts and military regarding Britain’s successful response to the Argentinian invasion of 1982. Each theatre of war, as well as the political dimension is addressed individually, in detail, and given the time of writing, in a balanced way. as with all of Max Hastings books, this one was as readable as ever. ( )

I read a broad assortment of genre, from science fiction, to biography to literary fiction. One of my favorites is history and military history in particular. In reviewing my library, I noted a couple of works by Max Hastings that I had rated them very highly.

His book, Retribution, was an outstanding treatment of the final year of the World War II Pacific theater. Vietnam, an Epic Tragedy, was equally as well done. That being the case, I purchased a couple of other Hastings works, including this treatment of the Falklands War.

One of Hastings’s strengths is his level of detail. Consider, Retribution, which deals with only the final year in the Pacific theater, clocks in at a hardcover 688 pages. His book on the Vietnam War extends for almost 900 hardcover pages. While this paperback book only spans 420 pages, it is the Falklands War after all. His work, The Korean War, a MUCH broader and more complicated conflict only extends for 389 pages, a substandard effort.

Hastings splits the writing duty here with a co-author, who handles some of the diplomatic history, but the work flows relatively seamlessly. I would have to imagine that this is the authoritative treatment of the Falklands War and the history behind it.

Having said all that, this book is FAR too detailed to be an enjoyable read. The diplomacy and politics are fascinating, but the details of the military aspect (which I understand are from Hastings) are eye glazing. To spend only 389 pages on the Korean War, and then 420 pages on the Falkland War is telling. It is a Goldilocks scenario. One is too short, the other is too long. ( )

Buena obra sobre Malvinas, agil. Tal vez demasiado basada en fuentes inglesas, y sin ninguna consulta a las argentinas. Pareciera que fue escrita algo apurada, y por eso la unilateralidad de las fuentes. Salvo eso muy interesante ( )

The best book on the Falklands' war, from both the political and the military perspective. Engaging, insightful and full of the perspectives of the people on the front line and those in power. ( )

In 82' I was preoccupied with the task of being young as well as finishing my education in the merchant navy.

In those days - when at sea - the daily news were compiled and 'edited' by the radio officer and distributed on a single sheet of A4 paper pinned to the bulletin board in the mess. And to be honest, you would not find me in front of that reading it.

(To the youngsters: Once upon a time the internet did not exist. Amazingly we survived to tell the tale ;-)

So the 'big picture' of the state of the world was not all that clear to me.

To to read about the course of events in this - in many respects - strange war has been very interesting. And put more than a few things in perspective.

For me this book was a very good read ( )