Kinglake, Alexander William, 1809-1891

Alexander William Kinglake (1809-1891) trained as a barrister, but was more interested in literature. He became famous after the publication of Eothen in 1844, a narrative of his travels in the Middle East. He was fascinated by military action, and went to Algeria in 1845 to witness the French campaign. In August 1854 he set off from London to follow the British Army to the Crimea, where he witnessed the Battle of the Alma (20 September), before falling sick and leaving for England on 18 October. After Lord Raglan's death in 1856, he was asked by Lady Raglan to write the history of the Crimean War, and was given the use of Lord Raglan's papers. The task occupied most of the rest of his life, and resulted in The invasion of the Crimea, published in eight volumes, 1863-1887. For this work, Kinglake interviewed and corresponded with many of the participants in the campaign and obtained detailed accounts of battles and manoeuvres.

From the guide to the Alexander William Kinglake: Crimean War papers, 1854-1868, (Cambridge University Library, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives)

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