Harry Paget Flashman tells of his expulsion from Rugby School and ends with his fame as the "Hector of Afghanistan," detailing his life from 1839 to 1842 and his travels to Scotland, India, and Afghanistan. His adventures include the retreat from Kabul, Last Stand at Gandamak and the Siege of Jalālābād, in the First Anglo-Afghan War. Despite being captured, tortured, and escaping death numerous times, and hiding and shirking his duty as much as possible, he comes through it all alive and with a hero's reputation.