The First Afghan War

"The First Afghan War" by Mowbray Morris is a late 1800's historical narrative, carefully laying out the reasons, events, and players involved in the initial collision between British interests and Afghan sovereignty. The book paints a broad picture, starting with diplomatic maneuvers designed to shield British India from threats associated with Napoleon and Russia, and examines the twisting relationships between Britain, Afghanistan, Russia, and Persia. It shines a light on pivotal characters such as Sir John Malcolm, Mountstuart Elphinstone, Dost Mahomed, and Shah Soojah. It clarifies their roles in shaping the alliances and conflicts that exploded across the Afghan landscape in early 19th century. Right from the start, a strong sense of trickery and conflict sets the tone for the tragic warfare explored in the history.