When God Made Hell

About the Author Charles Townshend is Professor of International History at Keele University, specialising in the study of modern political violence and insurgency. He is the editor of the Oxford History of Modern War and the author of Easter 1916: The Irish Rebellion, among others. He is married with two sons. Product Description Since 2003, Iraq has rarely left the headlines. But less discussed is the fact that Iraq as we know it was created by the British, in one of the most dramatic interventions in recent history. A cautious strategic invasion by British forces led - within seven years - to imperial expansion on a dizzying scale, with fateful consequences for the Middle East and the world. In When God Made Hell, Charles Townshend charts Britain's path from one of its worst military disasters to extraordinary success with largely unintended consequences, through overconfidence, incompetence and dangerously vague policy. With monumental research and exceptionally vivid accounts of on-the-ground warfare, this a truly gripping account of the Mesopotamia campaign, and its place in the wider political and international context. For anyone seeking to understand the roots of British involvement in Iraq, it is essential reading. Review 'Wonderfully compelling account of the British occupation of Iraq during the first world war.' -- Sunday Times>> 'Townshend skilfully interweaves two stories in this gripping book. One is the story of the campaign. The other is the story of how Britain took on a huge strategic burden that it would find increasingly difficult to afford.' -- Daily Express >> 'This riveting history of Britain's initially ill-fated invasion of Mesopotamia.' -- --Literary Review Book Description When God Made Hell: The British Invasion of Mesopotamia and the Creation of Iraq, 1914-1921 by Charles Townshend is a compelling work of political and military history, and a highly original account of the conquest of Mesopotamia in 1914 - Britain's first invasion of Iraq.