The Subaltern

Octavo, 373 pp. plus 6pp publisher's catalogue. Straight-grained, red Morocco, ruled in gilt with gilt corner decorations. Slight wear to the corners, a few small marks, and some rubbing to the edges. Spine with a slight fade. Black label with title in gilt. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers. No inscriptions. The front free endpaper is slightly loose, attached to the gutter by abraded paper. A handsome little copy of this first edition of the first war novel to come out of the Peninsular Campaign and based on the author's experiences in the Peninsula. It is not clear how much Gleig 'fictionalised' his experiences but whether it be closer to memoir than fiction or not it is a lively read even today full of arresting observations and interest in the local inhabitants he encounters either as villagers, paisonos or soldiers. He is wise enough to admit that it is impossible to come to any understanding of a foreign nation while on the march with a foreign army.
George Robert Gleig [1796-1888] Scottish soldier and later priest. In 1813, aged only 17, Gleig declined a scholarship to Balliol to join Wellington in the Peninsula, just after Wellington won his final battle in Spain before crossing into southern France. Subsequently, Gleig was posted to the United States to fight there under General Pakenham. A subaltern is a low-ranked lieutenant.