This is probably the best book in the Flashman series, that provides all the winning attributes of Flashman and his adventures.

The history provided in this volume (packet) was new to me, and the lengths that the British went to, to prove their military might during the 19th century is clearly displayed.

There was a point in Chinese history where their amazing invention for war machines, finally got superceeded by the rest of the world. Flashman moves through the Opium filled Asian country to his final destination.

For anybody that has looked into the female emperors of China, this book provides a funny view into the life of these people.

Definate read for anybody that enjoys good humour.


Flash Harry at his best   June 8, 2003
 11 out of 11 found this review helpful

One of the best of the series, Flashman and the Dragon combines the usual sublime writing with a particularly fascinating, and not too-well known, military campaign. If you want to learn something new about Victorian history without realising you are making the effort there is no better way.
Highly recommended, and if you liked any of the other Flashman's you will be safe buying this book


This time Flashman goes to China! Hurrah!   October 26, 2000
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Yes, once again Flashy finds himself in the thick of things - a Chinese Civil War! GMF combines well-researched historical fact - stranger than a lot of fiction - with the tale of the ever-reluctant Colonel Flashman, who beds and connives his way through the Imperial and rebel courts and battlefields of China in 1860. From the very first sentence, when Flashman warns the reader that the time to beware of a pretty woman is not when you're flush, but broke - because what is she after, then? - you just know he is ging to be cajoled/ordered/kidnapped into another daring adventure... and you're not disappointed. Buy this book - and the whole series, if you can!


History is perfect, but not Flashman at his best   October 15, 2000
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

As a brief synopsis of the European experience in China, this is perfect. Mr MacDonald Fraser has clearly got a penchant for the 'Orient' and lavishes his time and trouble on what, in all honesty, is a pretty insignificant episode for the European powers. The attention to detail is impressive even for the Flashman Papers.

But, therein lies the trouble. Mr MacDonald Fraser is clearly so concerned to encapsulate a truly extraordinary slice of history of 'east meets west' that he foolishly ignores his great creation who, for the most part, appears to be an observer in what unfolds before him.

This is still a wonderful book. But it simply cannot compare with the earlier 'papers' and a first time 'Flasher' would do much better with the earlier stuff.