Real Soldiers of Fortune By: Richard Harding Davis (1864-1916)
Real Soldiers of Fortune by Richard Harding Davis is a fascinating and insightful exploration into the lives of mercenaries and their experiences in various conflict zones around the world. Drawing from his own personal encounters and interviews with these individuals, Davis provides an in-depth account of the complex nature of their work and the moral dilemmas they face. The book delves into the motivations that drive soldiers of fortune, shedding light on their desire for adventure, financial gain, or a sense of purpose. Davis skillfully portrays these characters as multifaceted individuals, highlighting their shared ideals of patriotism and duty, as well as their flaws and vulnerabilities. One of the highlights of Real Soldiers of Fortune is the author's ability to vividly describe the settings where these mercenaries operate. Whether it's the dense jungles of Central America or the war-torn landscapes of Africa, Davis effectively transports the reader to these locations, offering a palpable sense of the danger and chaos that surrounds these soldiers. Moreover, the book delves into the ethics and consequences of engaging in mercenary activities. Davis provides a balanced view, acknowledging the controversial nature of their work while humanizing these individuals, who often find themselves caught in situations beyond their control. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, he conveys the psychological toll that such a lifestyle can take on those involved, further highlighting the complex nature of their choices. The writing style is engaging and accessible, making Real Soldiers of Fortune an engaging read for both history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the intricacies of the human psyche. Davis's firsthand accounts and interactions with these mercenaries lend an authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to truly connect with the subject matter. Overall, Real Soldiers of Fortune is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that offers a rarely seen perspective on the world of mercenaries. Richard Harding Davis's meticulous research and captivating storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the motivations and experiences of these enigmatic soldiers. First Page: REAL SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE By Richard Harding Davis MAJOR GENERAL HENRY RONALD DOUGLAS MACIVER ANY sunny afternoon, on Fifth Avenue, or at night in the table d'hote restaurants of University Place, you may meet the soldier of fortune who of all his brothers in arms now living is the most remarkable. You may have noticed him; a stiffly erect, distinguished looking man, with gray hair, an imperial of the fashion of Louis Napoleon, fierce blue eyes, and across his forehead a sabre cut. This is Henry Ronald Douglas MacIver, for some time in India an ensign in the Sepoy mutiny; in Italy, lieutenant under Garibaldi; in Spain, captain under Don Carlos; in our Civil War, major in the Confederate army; in Mexico, lieutenant colonel under the Emperor Maximilian; colonel under Napoleon III, inspector of cavalry for the Khedive of Egypt, and chief of cavalry and general of brigade of the army of King Milan of Servia. These are only a few of his military titles. In 1884 was published a book giving the story of his life up to that year. It was called "Under Fourteen Flags." If to day General MacIver were to reprint the book, it would be called "Under Eighteen Flags." MacIver was born on Christmas Day, 1841, at sea, a league off the shore of Virginia. His mother was Miss Anna Douglas of that State; Ronald MacIver, his father, was a Scot, a Rossshire gentleman, a younger son of the chief of the Clan MacIver... Continue reading book >>

Real Soldiers of Fortune By: Richard Harding Davis (1864-1916)

Real Soldiers of Fortune by Richard Harding Davis is a fascinating and insightful exploration into the lives of mercenaries and their experiences in various conflict zones around the world. Drawing from his own personal encounters and interviews with these individuals, Davis provides an in-depth account of the complex nature of their work and the moral dilemmas they face.

The book delves into the motivations that drive soldiers of fortune, shedding light on their desire for adventure, financial gain, or a sense of purpose. Davis skillfully portrays these characters as multifaceted individuals, highlighting their shared ideals of patriotism and duty, as well as their flaws and vulnerabilities.

One of the highlights of Real Soldiers of Fortune is the author's ability to vividly describe the settings where these mercenaries operate. Whether it's the dense jungles of Central America or the war-torn landscapes of Africa, Davis effectively transports the reader to these locations, offering a palpable sense of the danger and chaos that surrounds these soldiers.

Moreover, the book delves into the ethics and consequences of engaging in mercenary activities. Davis provides a balanced view, acknowledging the controversial nature of their work while humanizing these individuals, who often find themselves caught in situations beyond their control. Through interviews and personal anecdotes, he conveys the psychological toll that such a lifestyle can take on those involved, further highlighting the complex nature of their choices.

The writing style is engaging and accessible, making Real Soldiers of Fortune an engaging read for both history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the intricacies of the human psyche. Davis's firsthand accounts and interactions with these mercenaries lend an authenticity to the narrative, allowing readers to truly connect with the subject matter.

Overall, Real Soldiers of Fortune is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that offers a rarely seen perspective on the world of mercenaries. Richard Harding Davis's meticulous research and captivating storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the motivations and experiences of these enigmatic soldiers.

First Page:

REAL SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE

By Richard Harding Davis

MAJOR GENERAL HENRY RONALD DOUGLAS MACIVER

ANY sunny afternoon, on Fifth Avenue, or at night in the table d'hote restaurants of University Place, you may meet the soldier of fortune who of all his brothers in arms now living is the most remarkable. You may have noticed him; a stiffly erect, distinguished looking man, with gray hair, an imperial of the fashion of Louis Napoleon, fierce blue eyes, and across his forehead a sabre cut.

This is Henry Ronald Douglas MacIver, for some time in India an ensign in the Sepoy mutiny; in Italy, lieutenant under Garibaldi; in Spain, captain under Don Carlos; in our Civil War, major in the Confederate army; in Mexico, lieutenant colonel under the Emperor Maximilian; colonel under Napoleon III, inspector of cavalry for the Khedive of Egypt, and chief of cavalry and general of brigade of the army of King Milan of Servia. These are only a few of his military titles. In 1884 was published a book giving the story of his life up to that year. It was called "Under Fourteen Flags." If to day General MacIver were to reprint the book, it would be called "Under Eighteen Flags."

MacIver was born on Christmas Day, 1841, at sea, a league off the shore of Virginia. His mother was Miss Anna Douglas of that State; Ronald MacIver, his father, was a Scot, a Rossshire gentleman, a younger son of the chief of the Clan MacIver... Continue reading book >>

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Biography

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