Download or read book Awarded for Valour written by M. Smith and published by Springer. This book was released on 2008-06-23 with total page 281 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on primary source research, this is the most comprehensive history of the Victoria Cross available, tracing the evolution of the award from its inception in 1856 to the most recent bestowals. The study also examines the evolution of the concept of heroism and how the definition of heroism changed along with the nature of warfare.