Anyone with an interest in history, particularly military history, and/or news reporting will find this a fascinating read. Russell is considered one of the great, if not the greatest, war correspondents of all time and this book contains edited extracts of his late 1800's reports to The Times of London. He wrote with an immediacy and detail that had not really been seen before bringing home to readers the real horror and costs of war. The articles cover numerous conflicts including the Indian Mutiny, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the Zulu War and the Franco Prussian War. There are also reports on other significant events of the period including the coronation of Czar Alexander II and a visit to Egypt & Palestine.

It was published by The Folio Society in 1995, edited by Roger Hutson and has an introduction by Max Hastings. It include 45 contemporary photographs and eight maps. The book is in mint condition. The black slip case is in good condition with no splits or tears although there are a few blemishes, a small dent in one edge and some minor scratching on the bottom edge where it has been slid on and off bookcases, see image.