Description
1905 Second impression. Hardcover has significant wear, discoloration, scuffs and marks throughout. No dust jacket. Spine has tears on the top and bottom and heavy wear. Binding is slightly loose. Pages are clean and largely unmarked aside from some small marks on some pages. Readable copy.
This well-worn yet readable copy of “A Staff Officer’s Scrap-Book During the Russo-Japanese War” offers a unique glimpse into one of the most pivotal conflicts of the early 20th century. Written by Sir Ian Hamilton, a British Army officer who served as a military observer during the war, this work provides a firsthand account of the events that unfolded on the battlefields of Manchuria between 1904 and 1905. Hamilton’s keen observations and vivid descriptions bring to life the tactics, strategies, and hardships endured by both sides in this clash between an emerging imperial power and a declining empire.
Beyond its historical significance, this book holds particular interest for collectors and readers alike. As a second impression published in the same year as the first edition, it represents an early printing of Hamilton’s influential work. Despite its worn exterior, the clean interior pages suggest that this copy has been well-preserved, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Hamilton’s eyewitness narrative without significant distractions.
Moreover, the Russo-Japanese War marked a turning point in global power dynamics, foreshadowing the rise of Japan as a formidable military force and the eventual decline of the Russian Empire. Hamilton’s account, written from the perspective of a seasoned British officer, offers a unique outsider’s perspective on this pivotal conflict, making it a valuable addition to any collection focused on military history, imperial dynamics, or the geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century.
