Forty-One Years in India from Subaltern to Commander-in-Chief.

ROBERTS, Frederick Sleigh, first Earl Roberts.

Published by London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1911

About this Item

Presentation copy of a later edition, inscribed by Field Marshal Roberts on the half-title, "Major Drury, with the Author's best thanks and kind regards, 1 May 1914." Laid in is an accompanying autograph letter signed from the author, presenting the copy, and two other letters from him and his youngest daughter. The recipient was Major William Price Drury (1861-1949), a Royal Marine officer and the author of novels and plays with a naval theme. Prior to the First World War, Drury toured the country lecturing in support of Roberts's view that Britain was unprepared for war. The field marshal's letter, dated 1 May 1914, states that he is "delighted to possess the complete of your books. As a slight return for your gift I am sending you a copy of my 'Forty-One Years in India.'" A later pre-printed note, completed by Roberts by hand, thanks Drury for birthday wishes. In a final typed letter signed, dated 5 March 1915, Edwina Roberts thanks the Drurys for their congratulations on the birth of her son. The letter, and the facing envelope, are on mourning paper - Roberts had died on 14 November 1914. "Roberts was perhaps the ablest field commander since Wellington - quick to grasp a situation, bold and decisive in his solutions, and calm and confident in the face of difficulties" (ODNB). His memoir was a best-seller, going through eight editions or impressions within a month of publication. Ladendorf 364; Riddick 401; Taylor 669. Octavo. Portrait frontispiece, 31 plates (2 folding), 10 maps and plans (6 folding), vignettes in text. Original red bead-grain cloth, spine lettered in gilt, front cover blocked in blind, top edge gilt. A few pencil annotations. Spine and head of boards sunned, light foxing internally, couple of stub tears: very good.

Seller Inventory # 172882

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Forty-One Years in India from Subaltern to Commander-in-Chief.
• Publisher: London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1911
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)