"Lt Zisserman's memoir of the 1840s-60s in the Caucasus is fascinating, rich in ethnographic detail and on the detail and on the daily grind and sudden dangers Russian soldiers faced in conquering Imam Shamil and Hadji Murad's "Barbarian" Highlanders. An acute and witty observer , he introduces us to the dominant figures in Russian empire building, illuminating their complex interactions with the highlanders. This well-translated text is accompanied by notes, maps and highly evocative period pictures; this is a gem and thanks are due to Peter Skinner and Narikhala." Professor Stephen Jones, Russian and Eurosian Studies/International Relations, Mount Holyoke College