The Black Hole Of Calcutta by Noel Barber: Something I remember hearing about in school, but never really knew the whole story. In 1756 an Indian Nabob (real title!) decided to throw the British out of Calcutta. With 50,000 troops he attacked Fort William, which was run by the British East India Company. Between bouts of cowardice and runs of bad luck, the outnumbered English were defeated, and the 144 survivors were thrown in an 18' x 14' room with 2 small windows for 10 hours. The next morning only 23 including 1 woman came out alive.An incredible story, and even more incredible how close the British defenders came to actually winning. An incredible story of cowardice and bravery, comradeship and treachery; a book that should be read by all.
Maybe it'll make your problems seem slight in comparison, eh?
No comments:
Post a Comment