The Victoria Cross can only be awarded for 'most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.' It has been awarded only 1,354 times since the Crimean War, the majority going to British and Commonwealth troops.

SYMBOL OF COURAGE vividly brings the story of the medal to life. It gives a narrative history of every conflict in which the VC has been awarded from the Crimean War to the Falklands. It also gives a complete listing of every VC holder with details of the action in which he won the medal, and shows why some 'found it harder wearing the medal than winning it'. Written by acclaimed military historian Max Arthur, this is a fascinating and comprehensive study that will appeal to everyone who is interested in the nature of courage.