For anyone who has not already read the exploits of George MacDonald Fraser's Victorian anti-hero, I envy you as a 1st timer. He was there (in a blue funk) for every major military action of the 19th century. Very historically accurate + quite well written. There is an entire series that goes from the 1st Afghan war of 1847 through the Charge of the light Brigade, the Indian Mutiny of 1857,our civil war, Rourke's Drift, + more. Fraser was a very good author + wrote many other books, worth checking out, like his personal experiences in the Burma campaign in WW2 where he was stationed, called "Quartered Safe out Here." He also did a bit of screen writing for Hollywood on the 3 Musketeers movies + some of the James Bond movies. Worth checking out.

I haven't read a Flashman adventure in years. They are well written and take you away from the messy world we live in. I could use a dose to brighten dark winter days.
Thanks for reminding me.
Bfly

Definitely some good winter (or anytime) reading. Also, recently released posthumously by his children after being found in his safe is the book, "Captain In Calico" about the pirate Calico Jack. Another great read. Also if you are into pirate novels, I recommend "The Only Life That Mattered" by James Nelson about the life + times of Calico Jack Reachum , Anne Bonny, + Mary Reade.

I've read (and own) all the Flashman books, but I think that the earlier ones generally are a bit better, as in the later books Fraser toned down his utter lack of political correctness and made Flash a bit more introspective and philosophical. I still smile when I think of the scene in "Flashman at the Charge" when Harry throws the beautiful countess out of the sleigh in order to distract the pack of hungry wolves that are gaining on them. If you are a Fraser fan, I also recommend the MacAuslan series of novels.

I have all the MacAuslen books as well. Great humor + can't help to believe that there was a bit of truth in those stories about "the dirtiest soldier in the world", from his service years, during + after the Burma campaign.