Real Soldiers of Fortune

"Real Soldiers of Fortune" by Richard Harding Davis is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book focuses on the adventurous life of Brigadier-General Henry Ronald Douglas MacIver, a soldier who has served under numerous flags throughout various conflicts across the globe, highlighting his intriguing narrative of military exploits and personal bravery. The opening of the book introduces Henry Ronald Douglas MacIver as a remarkable soldier of fortune with a storied background, having fought in a myriad of military campaigns including the Indian Mutiny, the Italian wars, and the American Civil War. It details his early life, chronicling his transition from a boy in Virginia to a battle-hardened veteran decorated with scars and military honors. MacIver's insatiable thirst for adventure leads him to continually volunteer for service in various conflicts, often against overwhelming odds, while also hinting at his colorful interactions with former comrades and the legacy he aims to preserve through his deeds. This introduction sets the stage for an expansive exploration of a life defined by courage, ambition, and the pursuit of glory in a constantly shifting landscape of international conflict. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Richard Harding Davis was an American journalist and writer of fiction and drama, known foremost as the first American war correspondent to cover the Spanish–American War, the Second Boer War, and World War I. His writing greatly assisted the political career of Theodore Roosevelt. He also played a major role in the evolution of the American magazine. His influence extended to the world of fashion, and he is credited with making the clean-shaven look popular among men at the turn of the 20th century.