General Napier Editor (4 results)

(Subject: Political & Biographies - General) Written for the amusement and instruction of his children, and edited after his death by his son, this biography tells of Napier's service in the 52nd Light Infantry during the Peninsular Wars. Blue boards marked. Previous owner name and date (1936) on inside page. Some damage to back inside board and back 30 pages. Text not damaged. Light foxing throughout. (Published: 1884) (Publisher: John Murray) (Pagination: 295pp) (Condition: ) UL-XXXXXX.…

Hardcover. Condition: As New. No Dust Jacket. 1st Edition. Type: Book 1st printing. A Fine slipcase included; a bumped lower corner, otherwise As New.

Hardcover. Condition: New. First Thus. This copy is in new, unmarked condition bound in blue cloth covered boards with bright gilt titling to a burgundy panel on the spine and bright gilt decoration and borders to the upper board. This copy is bright, tight, white and square. A dust wrapper is not called for, this copy is encased in a robust grey paper covered slip case. International postal rates are calculated on a book weighing 1 Kilo, in cases where the book weighs more than 1 Kilo increased postal rates will be quoted, where the book weighs less then postage will be reduced accordingly. General Sir William Francis Patrick Napier KCB (7 December 1785 - 12 February 1860) was a British soldier in the British Army and a military historian. The years he had spent in France he had occupied in improving his general education, for, incredible as it seems, the author of the History of the War in the Peninsula could not spell or write respectable English till that time. But his career was to be great in literature, not in art. This skill appeared in an able review of Jomini's works (Edinburgh Review) in 1821, and in 1823 Henry Bickersteth suggested that he write a history of the Peninsular War. For some time Napier did not take kindly to the suggestion, but at last decided to become an author in order to defend the memory of Sir John Moore, and to prevent the glory of his old chief being overshadowed by that of Wellington. The Duke of Wellington himself gave him much assistance, and handed over the whole of Joseph Bonaparte's correspondence that was captured at the battle of Vittoria; this was all in cipher, but Mrs Napier, with great patience, discovered the key. Marshal Soult took an active interest in the work arranging for a French translation of Mathieu Dumas. Ref YYY 3.…

Hardcover. Interesting account written for Napier's children, covers the Peninsular War in which Napier served in the 52nd Regiment. 295pp., frontispiece. In original blue cloth with gilt titling and embossed design, rubbed to head and tale of spine and with fading on front board, otherwise vgc. Uncommon. …