Picture a British cavalry officer turned storyteller who gallops through the pages of history—meet Allan Mallinson! With his gripping Matthew Hervey series, Mallinson brings the 19th-century British Army to life, blending heart-pounding battles with the moral dilemmas of a soldier’s heart. His knack for historical detail and complex characters has earned him a saddle alongside literary legends like Patrick O’Brian.
Born in Yorkshire, Mallinson’s journey from soldier to scribe is as thrilling as his novels. His unique perspective as a retired brigadier infuses his work with authenticity, making readers feel the dust of the battlefield and the weight of command. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this master of historical military fiction!
The Making of Allan Mallinson
Allan Lawrence Mallinson was born on February 6, 1949, in Yorkshire, England, to Alfred and Edith Mallinson. Initially set on a path to the Anglican priesthood, he studied at St Chad’s College in Durham before fate took a sharp turn. In 1969, he joined the British Army, serving as a second lieutenant in the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment. Over 35 years, he rose to brigadier, commanding the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and serving in hotspots like Cyprus, Malaysia, and Northern Ireland. His military career, capped as Military Attaché in Rome, gave him a front-row seat to the realities of soldiering, which he later poured into his writing.
Mallinson’s pivot to authorship came from a love for Patrick O’Brian’s naval tales and a desire to do for the cavalry what O’Brian did for the high seas. Disappointed by the lack of cavalry-focused historical fiction, he began crafting stories that would transport readers to the saddle of a 19th-century dragoon.
Allan Mallinson’s Unforgettable Stories
Mallinson’s flagship creation is the Matthew Hervey series, a 14-novel saga following a fictional officer in the 6th Light Dragoons from the Napoleonic Wars through colonial conflicts in India, Canada, and South Africa. His debut, A Close Run Thing (1999), throws readers into the chaos of Waterloo, where young Cornet Hervey navigates ambition and intrigue. The Nizam’s Daughters (2000) sees Hervey defending a princely state in India, showcasing Mallinson’s knack for weaving cultural and tactical detail. The Sabre’s Edge (2003) tackles the First Burmese War, while The Tigress of Mysore (2020) closes the series with Hervey facing rebellion in 1830s India.
Mallinson’s style is a blend of meticulous research and vivid storytelling. His novels brim with equestrian details—tack, training, and veterinary care—that immerse readers in the cavalry’s world. Hervey’s introspective nature, shaped by Mallinson’s own religious roots, adds depth, as he grapples with duty, morality, and the era’s social customs. Critics praise the series for its authenticity and cerebral tone, often comparing it to O’Brian’s Aubrey-Maturin novels, though some note its slower pace suits readers who savor historical nuance over breakneck action.
Beyond fiction, Mallinson’s nonfiction, like Light Dragoons (1993) and The Making of the British Army (2009), showcases his scholarly side, tracing the evolution of Britain’s military. His 1914: Fight the Good Fight (2013) won the British Army’s Book of the Year, cementing his authority as a military historian.
Why Allan Mallinson Matters
Mallinson’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the past. Through Hervey, he captures the grit and glory of a soldier’s life, making the 19th century feel immediate and relatable. His work resonates with fans of historical fiction, military enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the interplay of duty and conscience. By spotlighting the cavalry—a niche often overshadowed by naval tales—he’s carved a unique space in the genre, earning accolades like the Haywood Prize for Literature.
His nonfiction has shaped military discourse, offering insights into Britain’s martial heritage and leadership challenges. For readers and scholars alike, Mallinson’s blend of soldierly experience and literary craft makes him a vital voice in understanding the past’s lessons for today.
About Allan Mallinson
- Born: February 6, 1949, in Yorkshire, England
- Key Works: Matthew Hervey series, Light Dragoons, 1914: Fight the Good Fight
- Awards: Haywood Prize for Literature, British Army Book of the Year (2013)
- Fun Fact: He commanded the 13th/18th Royal Hussars, a cavalry regiment with roots in his novels’ era
Ready to ride into history? Snag A Close Run Thing and gallop through Allan Mallinson’s thrilling world of sabres, strategy, and soul-searching!