The Defence of Lucknow. A Diary Recording the Daily Events During the Siege of the European Residency from 31st May to 25th September, 1857.

WILSON, Thomas Fourness.

Published by London: Smith, Elder, and Co., 1858

About this Item

First edition. This is account of the Indian Rebellion was described by Saul David in his introduction to the Greenhill edition (2007) as "among the finest war diaries ever written". Wilson was posted to the 13th Bengal Native Infantry in 1838. His role as a staff officer of the Lucknow garrison while it was under siege placed him "in an excellent position to know and record the day-to-day events" (Riddick). He was later made a Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire for his service in the Council of the Governor General of India. Ladendorf 423; Riddick, Glimpses of India, 261; Sorksy 227. Octavo. Folding map frontispiece. With 16 pp. of publisher's advertisements at rear. Original red paper boards, recently rebacked with black cloth backstrip, boards lettered in black, edges untrimmed. Inscription of one Colonel Burrell, 17/21st Lancers, former ownership stamps and shelfmark of the National Army Museum, with withdrawal stamps. Boards worn, backstrip lifting at front board foot but holding, inner hinges cracked, contents a little toned, map bright: a good copy.

Seller Inventory # 182914

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Defence of Lucknow. A Diary Recording the Daily Events During the Siege of the European Residency from 31st May to 25th September, 1857.
• Publisher: London: Smith, Elder, and Co., 1858
• Edition: 1st Edition