If your son is studying British imperial history, make sure he reads the Flashman novels along the way (if he hasn’t already). I’ve plowed through enough of the serious histories as well, but for a quick gloss on how ridiculously small numbers of Englishmen conquered the world, it’s hard to beat Flashy. In today’s climate, the Flashman series is also a wonderful antidote to the reflexive PC impulse to denigrate the Europeans and uncritically idolize native cultures. The author, George McDonald Fraser, is unsparing to both sides. Fraser also respects the good soldiers on both sides, and the British virtues come through very clearly in the legendary imperial figures who populate the background, and among whom Flashman is forever dodging his way. I recommend the books to anyone reading on the history of British imperialism.
I have them all. The Flashman novels are great, amusing reads.