War on the River was first published in two volumes in 1899. It was presented as “a narrative of the reconquest of the Sudan,” but its content goes beyond this narrow topic. This is the author's first major historical work, which contains an outline of the history of Sudan and its people; describes the decline of the country during the period of ineffective Egyptian rule, the rise of the Mahdi, who from the point of view of Sir Winston became the father of Arab nationalism, the assassination of General Gordon and that incredible fanatical regime, accompanied by robberies and slave drives, which became known as the "Dervish Empire". The climax of this sinister and dramatic story is the reconquest of the Sudan by a united Anglo-Egyptian army under the command of the Sirdar, General Sir Herbert, later Lord Kitchener. This book was popular for a long time and was reprinted many times. For the last revised edition, published in 1933, Sir Winston wrote a special preface, so characteristic of him that we have included it in the present edition. It reflects better than any other commentary the changing world political scene, including events that have taken place since 1933.