A Subaltern\'s Letters to His Wife

8vo; original red cloth, lettered in gilt on spine; pp. (viii) + 228 + 40. Spine sunned and slightly frayed at head and tail; cloth mottled and a little soiled; fore-edges a bit bumped; some browning; occasional spotting. (Hackett, p. 178; Mendelssohn II, p. 199) Hackett, in \'South African War Books: An Illustrated Bibliography\', states that impressions 1-7 are all dated 1901. \'The author, who went through part of the South African War with Colonel Rimington\'s Guides, was evidently a great admirer of his leader. He describes the battles of Paardeberg and many other engagements, and much stress is laid on the intense sufferings of the horses, which, it is maintained, was mainly occasioned by the red tape prevalent at home and on the field. The officers are severely criticised, but the fighting of the irregular forces is warmly commended. The work advocates a kind of qualified conscription for the protection of the Empire, and considers that, \"given a rigorous treason law,\" the Boers will be loyal to the crown.\' - Mendelssohn.