In March 1982, Argentina surprised the world by invading the Falkland Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The tiny islands had long been the subject of a fierce territorial dispute between Argentina and the UK, and the occupation quickly escalated into a terrifying full-blown conflict between the two countries. Often referred to as a forgotten war, the Falklands conflict was, in actual fact, the first war of the modern age, using satellite surveillance, night observation devices, and all the very latest weaponry military technology had to offer. It was also the first real media war - the public's perception of this far-off conflict mediated by what they saw on their television screens and read in their newspapers. Objective analysis on both sides took a back seat to the politics of expediency and crude appeals to nationalism. Drawing upon the vast resources of the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archive, and containing previously unpublished material, "Forgotten Voices of the Falklands War" presents the first complete oral history of the Falklands War. From the initial invasion of the islands to the British landings to the Argentinean surrender and its aftermath, the book is a unique and essential chronicle of the conflict from all sides and perspectives, told in the participants' own voices. Hugh McManners, who himself fought in the Falklands War, has created the definitive oral history book on the subject.

In April 1982, Argentina surprised the world by invading the Falkland Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The tiny islands had long been the subject of a fierce territorial dispute between Argentina and the UK, and the occupation quickly escalated into a terrifying full-blown conflict between the two countries. "Part Three - Doing the Business" - Facing extreme conditions, British troops fought their way across demanding territory to retake the Falkland Islands. This is a record of the defeat of the Argentines in a series of engagements the names of which have become legendary - Goose Green, Two Sisters, Mount Tumbledown - and ends with the liberation of Port Stanley itself. Drawing upon the vast resources of the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archive, "Forgotten Voices of the Falklands" presents the first complete oral history of the Falklands War. This audio book is a unique and essential chronicle of the conflict from all sides and perspectives, told in the participants' own voices.

The latest in the landmark Forgotten Voices series, giving a unique perspective on a pivotal but often overlooked conflict - the Falklands War

The Falklands War was a turning point in modern British history. On the one hand, it was what some considered to be the 'last of the great Elizabethan adventures', with the Royal Navy pulling off an incredible feat of maritime warfare, under the most appallingly risky circumstances. On the other hand, it was the first war of the modern age, using satellite surveillance, computer-driven missiles, night observation devices, and the very latest in modern weaponry. It was also a conflict that could so easily have gone terribly wrong for British forces. Instead, it was a resounding military success.

And yet, the conflict's significance is often overlooked. Drawing upon the vast resources of the Imperial War Museum's sound archive, which contains thousands of interviews with both soldiers and civilians, both British and Argentinean, Forgotten Voices of the Falklands War redresses the balance, presenting the first complete oral history of the Falklands War. From the initial invasion of the islands to the British offensive to the Argentinean surrender and its aftermath, the audiobook is a unique and essential chronicle of the conflict from all sides and perspectives, told in the participants' own voices. It includes the visceral and often terrifying experiences of the combatants as well as the poignant and sometimes surreal recollections of the islanders caught in the middle.

Utilising all the qualities that have made the Forgotten Voices series so popular, Hugh McManners, who himself fought in the Falklands War and witnessed its brutality first-hand, has created the definitive audiobook on the subject.

Hugh McManners:
Hugh MacManners was a captain in 148 Commando Forward Observation Battery, serving with the Special Boat Squadron during the Falklands War. He joined the British Army in 1972 and in 1975 was sponsored by them to read Geography at Oxford University. He subsequently spent thirteen years with 3 Commando Brigade before leaving the army in 1989. He is now a documentary producer and freelance writer.

2007-06-23 Disappointing - and not exactly "Forgotten"

I wanted to like this one, but it has too many faults.

The most basic is that so many of the voices in this one are far from forgotten, with many very familiar names appearing, retelling stories that have been seen in print and other media many times before.

Sweep those aside and you are left with a remarkably small number of people, and remarkably little of any serious interest. There are numerous errors, some of which are the author's, some of which are from the people interviewed. Where these are obvious errors of recollection, it would be nice to have a note from the author stating this - as it is, it comes across as poorly researched.

The most interesting aspect of the book for me was the author's own experiences, and his feelings regarding a particular incident - I'll leave it to other readers to find it and see if they agree.