Advice to the Officers of the British Army (1783, seventh edition)

A rare copy of Francis Grose's satirical guide to British Army life for all ranks. This copy belonging to Captain James Romney, brother of the artist George Romney

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

Seventh edition. Hardback, rebound in plain paper covered boards with printed title label to spine. viii + 188pp, with folding frontispiece.

*There is a question of authorship, whilst it was traditionally thought to be by John Williamson with contemporary titles giving "Captain Williamson" as the author, and the British Library recording it as such. It was later believed to be the work of Francis Grose, a lexicographer, author and antiquary of the late eighteenth century (and more in line with the nature of this work). The Francis Grose Society included this title in their 1978 reprint of this title and bibliography of the works of Francis Grose.

This copy belonged to Captain James Romney, brother of the artist George Romney and sitter for several of his brother's paintings. He served in the East India Company, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-General. He has signed to the title page Captain Romney, 1784, but this has been trimmed to the fore-edge cutting a little of the signature, and again to the first page of the introduction as Jas. Romney. Captain Romney was known to be on leave in England in 1783/1784 as he is mentioned in Fanny Burney's diary when she met both brothers at a gathering hosted by the Hoole's family. The Hooles were part of the 18th century literary and social circle, John Hoole being a translator and his son Samuel was a clergyman and poet.

Full title: Advice to the Officers of the British Army, with the addition of some Hints to the Drummer and Private Soldier.

A satirical work but based partly on the author's [Grose] experience in the Surrey Militia. The book is Swiftian in style, and takes aim at all rank of officers of the British Army, with gems such as "When an inferior general is to be detached upon an expedition, be sure to send the most ignorant and inexperienced; for he stands the most in need of a lesson", and to young officers "Never read the daily orders. It is beneath an officer of spirit to bestow any attention upon such nonsense", and to the private soldier "If your comrade deserts, you may safely sell your whole kit, and charge him with having stolen it: should he be caught, and deny it, nobody will believe him".

The folding frontispiece is titled "Veluti in Speculum" (trans: as in a mirror) and shows a satyr inviting a party of British officers to look at themselves in a large mirror topped with military regalia. It shows several notable British officers of the time (Amherst, Murray, Burgoyne, and possibly Tarleton, Cornwallis, Clinton, and Sir William Howe—as identified by the Library of Congress) as they regard themselves in the mirror.

Condition

Very good for age. As mentioned the book has been rebound in plain paper covered boards and there is a slight crease at the base of the spine. The book has new endpapers and pastedowns. The plate is in good order, the top 1.5cm has been snipped from the title page and there is some light spotted foxing. Infrequent and inoffensive pencil marks to the margins but the book remains in strong readable condition and the inner binding is secure.

Further images are available on request.