Duncan Anderson, "The Falklands War 1982" (2002)

A bit of a guilty indulgence.

Osprey is known for publishing 'light' general descriptions of military history topics, including battles, technology and personalities.

This consideration of the Falklands War - a small battle though significant moment in late-20th century history - is not superficial, but provides rather closer attention to narrating the day-to-day combat than assessing the deeper geo-political and economic factors at play.

Essentially, an Argentinian military government decided that one way to distract public concern over domestic conditions while solving a long-standing desire to patriate/seize some strategically important territory would be to turf the British from several islands about 400 miles from the Argentinian coast. In May 1982, Argentine troops (disguised and in uniform) quickly overcame the very small British forces on the Falklands. In the ensuing conflict, Britain surprised the Argentines by throwing in a sizeable military response, and although taking losses, inflicting much heavier costs (particular in the air and at sea).

Losing the Falklands conflict reinforced Thatcher's reputation at home, and destroyed Galtieri's ability to govern Argentina.