A Savage War of Peace

by Alistair Horne
A Savage War of Peace cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7260
  • Added: 2025-12-13
  • Updated: 2025-12-13
  • ISBN: 9781447233435
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2012-08-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

A Savage War of Peace delves into the brutal conflict of the Algerian War (1954-1962), which resulted in immense loss of life and displacement. The war's repercussions were far-reaching, causing political upheaval in France and nearly leading to civil war. Horne's narrative is marked by intelligence and insight, highlighting the heroism and tragedy that defined this period. The book's exploration of the war's broader implications makes it a compelling read that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. /n/n The author's thorough and honest treatment of the subject matter provides a sharp analysis of the conflict, making it a significant contribution to historical literature. Horne's writing style, characterized by extreme intelligence and perspicacity, brings a unique perspective to the events, making it a must-read for those interested in the complexities of colonial wars and their lasting effects.

Reviews
HubPages · 2023-12-26
great 4.20

The book provides an incredible amount of detail on a highly complicated and byzantine subject, making it a valuable resource for understanding the Algerian War.

This review praises the book for its detailed and comprehensive coverage of the Algerian War, highlighting its ability to provide an incredible amount of detail on a complex subject. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth of information, making it a valuable resource for understanding the conflict. They note the book's ability to navigate the complexities of the war, offering a detailed and insightful account. The reviewer also emphasizes the book's value as a resource for those interested in the Algerian War, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    Alistair Horne's book on the Algerian War manages to provide an incredible amount of detail on a highly complicated and byzantine subject.

    The book offers a detailed and comprehensive account that is both informative and engaging.

    It is a valuable resource for understanding the Algerian War, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts.

ARRSE · 2021-04-16
excellent 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive detail of the build-up to the war, its protagonists, conduct, and outcome. It is a detailed and insightful account of the conflict.

This review emphasizes the book's comprehensive detail, covering the build-up to the war, its key figures, and the outcomes for all involved. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information provided, making it a valuable resource for understanding the conflict. They highlight the book's ability to offer a detailed and insightful account, which is both informative and engaging. The reviewer also notes the book's comprehensive nature, making it a must-read for those interested in the Algerian War.

Quick quotes

    This book is a really comprehensive detail of the build-up to the war, its protagonists, conduct, and outcome for all involved.

    All this without losing sight of the human element, making it a deeply insightful read.

    The book offers a detailed and comprehensive account that is both informative and engaging.

New York Review Books · 2006-10-10
brilliant 4.50

The book reads like a novel but is a superior historical narrative. It brings the Algerian War to life with vivid detail and compelling storytelling.

This review highlights the book's exceptional narrative quality, comparing it to a novel due to its engaging and vivid storytelling. The reviewer praises the depth of detail and the way the book brings the Algerian War to life, making it a compelling read. They emphasize the book's ability to capture the complexity and brutality of the conflict, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events. The reviewer also notes the book's superior historical narrative, making it a standout work in the genre.

Quick quotes

    Horne's tome is so well written it reads more like a novel but is, in fact, a work of superior historical narrative.

    There are few historical works that can match the vivid detail and compelling storytelling found in this book.

    The book brings the Algerian War to life with a depth of detail that is both informative and engaging.

Appears in Lists