1858-1860 The Life of the Duke of Wellington

Description

Colour Plates, First Edition, Folding Maps, Original Binding, Publishers' Original Binding, Scarce

The first edition of The Life of Wellington by Belgian military architect, writer and historian Henri Alexis Brialmont. Translated by Chaplain-Genereal G.R. Gleig, with emendations and additions. 4 volumes. A complete set.  

In the publisher's original red cloth. Volumes 1 and 2 contain a frontispiece, a portrait of Wellington and French general Marmont respectively. Volume 1 includes 2 other portraits of Napoleon and French general Massena, as well as 14 folding maps, including 2 in colour. Volume 2 includes 3 other portraits, including Marshal Soult, General Hill and Marshal Blucher, as well as 10 folding maps. Collated complete.

The end of volume 1 contains original advertisements of 24 pages, listing works published by Longmans and Co. Volume 3 contains original advertisements for lists of works by Lord Macaulay, as well as for Maunder's Biographical Treasury. Volumes 1 and 2 contain errata pages, as well as additional errata notes to volumes 2 and 4.

Delving into the history of Britain's most iconic commander, Brialmont's set is brilliant for offering readers a balanced account of the general without being tainted by British pride or French disdain. As a military thinker and politician, Brialmont offers great insight into Wellington's campaigns in India, the Iberian Peninsula and Waterloo, as well as his challenging political career. On top of analysing the general's achievements, Brialmont also wishes to go deeper into the general's character.

This particular set originally belonged to the library of the Earl of Shrewsbury, a member of the Order of the Garter. A 1901 Christmas gift inscription is written from the Vicar of Ford to William Renshaw, legendary tennis player who has an unbroken record of six consecutive Wimbledon single titles (1881-1886).