The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan [BOOK REVIEW]
“The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan” by Ben Macintyre is an account of the remarkable life and adventures of Josiah Harlan, an American explorer who became entangled in the political landscape of Afghanistan in the early 19th century. Macintyre weaves together history and adventure, depicting Harlan’s audacious exploits, his pursuit of power and wealth, and the consequences of his ambitious aspirations in a land of intrigue and danger.
About the Author:
Ben Macintyre, born in 1963 in England, is a renowned British author and journalist. He has a passion for writing about espionage, historical events, and extraordinary individuals. Macintyre’s gripping narratives and meticulous research have earned him recognition as one of the best non-fiction writers of his generation. Some of his other notable works include “Operation Mincemeat,” “Agent Zigzag,” and “The Spy and the Traitor.”
The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan Summary:
“The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan” by Ben Macintyre is a biography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Josiah Harlan, an American adventurer who ventured into the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan in the early 19th century.
Macintyre introduces readers to Harlan, a larger-than-life character driven by a thirst for adventure and power. Harlan’s journey begins as a young man seeking fortune in the East India Company, but his path soon leads him to Afghanistan, a land shrouded in mystery and beset by tribal rivalries.
The book takes us through Harlan’s exploits, as he becomes embroiled in the internal conflicts of Afghanistan and seeks to carve out his own dominion. Macintyre details Harlan’s interactions with local leaders, his attempts to establish his authority, and his dream of becoming the ruler of Afghanistan. The book delves into Harlan’s encounters with Afghan rulers, including his relationship with the legendary Afghan leader, Amir Dost Mohammad Khan.
Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Macintyre paints a vivid picture of the political intrigue, cultural complexities, and harsh realities of life in Afghanistan during this period. He explores Harlan’s interactions with Afghan rulers, tribal alliances, and the rivalries among European powers vying for influence in the region.
The Man Who Would Be King is the riveting story that inspired Kipling’s classic tale and a John Huston movie
“The Man Who Would Be King” also delves into the personal struggles and tribulations faced by Harlan. Macintyre examines the price of Harlan’s ambitions, his encounters with treachery and betrayal, and the toll that his relentless pursuit of power took on his personal life.
Macintyre’s narrative skillfully blends history, adventure, and exploration, providing readers with a captivating account of Harlan’s extraordinary life. The book offers a deeper understanding of the complexities of Afghan society and the impact of foreign interventions, as seen through the experiences of this enigmatic American explorer.
In conclusion, “The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan” is a captivating historical account that brings to life the audacious journey of Josiah Harlan in the early 19th century. Ben Macintyre’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling paint a vivid picture of Harlan’s adventures, his interactions with Afghan leaders, and his ambitious pursuit of power in a tumultuous and unforgiving land. The book offers insights into the clash of cultures, the complexities of Afghan society, and the lasting impact of Harlan’s endeavors. “The Man Who Would Be King” stands as a testament to Ben Macintyre’s skill as a writer and his ability to uncover forgotten stories that have shaped history. This book is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of history, exploration, and the enduring allure of Afghanistan.
Related Books:
- “Return of a King: The Battle for Afghanistan” by William Dalrymple
- “The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia” by Peter Hopkirk
- “Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History” by Thomas Barfield
The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan [BOOK DETAILS]
FROM AMAZON: In the year 1838, a young adventurer, surrounded by his native troops and mounted on an elephant, raised the American flag on the summit of the Hindu Kush in the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. He declared himself Prince of Ghor, Lord of the Hazarahs, spiritual and military heir to Alexander the Great.
The true story of Josiah Harlan, a Pennsylvania Quaker and the first American ever to enter Afghanistan, has never been told before, yet the life and writings of this extraordinary man echo down the centuries, as America finds itself embroiled once more in the land he first explored and described 180 years ago.
Soldier, spy, doctor, naturalist, traveler, and writer, Josiah Harlan wanted to be a king, with all the imperialist hubris of his times. In an extraordinary twenty-year journey around Central Asia, he was variously employed as surgeon to the Maharaja of Punjab, revolutionary agent for the exiled Afghan king, and then commander in chief of the Afghan armies. In 1838, he set off in the footsteps of Alexander the Great across the Hindu Kush and forged his own kingdom, only to be ejected from Afghanistan a few months later by the invading British.
Using a trove of newly discovered documents and Harlan’s own unpublished journals, Ben Macintyre’s The Man Who Would Be King tells the astonishing true story of the man who would be the first and last American king.
My Goodreads Review:
The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan by Ben Macintyre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It is interesting to learn that there was an American in Afghanistan during those years. And that Rudyard Kipling’s story turned out to have a basis.
The book provides an account of the first American in Afghanistan. The author captures the intrigue and adventure of this extraordinary tale, offering readers a captivating glimpse into a pivotal moment in history.
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