"Into The Valley Of Death: Crimea, Balaklava, The Light Brigade" is a collection of fascinating writings by various authors depicting the infamous Battle of Balaklava during the Crimean War. The book offers a detailed account of the events leading up to the battle, the actions of the Light Brigade, and the aftermath of this disastrous military engagement.

The inclusion of writings by Russell, Tennyson, and Kipling provides a diverse range of perspectives on the battle, shedding light on the experiences of soldiers, poets, and journalists during this turbulent time in history. Russell's vivid descriptions bring the chaos and confusion of the battlefield to life, while Tennyson's iconic poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" captures the heroism and tragedy of the doomed cavalry charge. Kipling's poignant reflections on the lasting impact of the battle offer a thought-provoking conclusion to the book.

Overall, "Into The Valley Of Death" is a compelling and informative read that offers a unique insight into one of the most storied military engagements in history. It is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the cultural impact of war on literature and society.

Book Description:
The Charge Of The Light Brigade is a famous poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It is about, among other things, the valor of soldiers and the tragic loss of life in futile war engagements. The war is the Crimean War which Russia lost against a coalition of France, United Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. The battle is Balaclava, 25 October, 1854. The Light Brigade comprises cavalry officers and soldiers, mounted on smaller unarmored light fast horses and armed with sword and lance. Mobile and speedy, they were primarily intended for skirmishes and reconnaisances. They were ordered against a near impregnable Russian line of cannon, infantry, and cavalry. Tennyson wrote his poem after reading in The Times an account by war correspondent William Howard Russell of the tragic courage and tragic deaths caused by a miscommunication among commanders in the Crimean War. Forty years after its publication Rudyard Kipling wrote another poem about the parlous condition of survivors of the men of the Light Brigade, The Last Of The Light Brigade . Much later Tennyson wrote a not-nearly-so-well-known poem, The Charge Of The Heavy Brigade . The Heavy Brigade rode large heavy horses; the men wore metal helmets and fought with cavalry swords; they were intended as a close combat shock force. Both heavy and light brigades fought in this battle. Part 1 of this work contains all three poems and closes with a recording made in London in 1890; trumpeter Martin Landfrey plays the charge he sounded at the Charge Of The Light Brigade. Part 2 of this work contains an excerpt from Russell’s book narrative of the battle. Part 3 of this work is an excerpt from The London Gazette , the official government publication in which important announcements were recorded . Here we read two reports of the battle from the commander of the Army to the British War Department . The notice also contains reports from three of Lord Raglan’s sub-commanders, Lord Lucan commanding the Cavalry Division; General Colin Campbell; and General De Lacy Evans. - Summary by David Wales