THE TRUE BLUE: LIFE & ADVENTURES COL FRED BURNABY

This is a first edition of The True Blue: The Life and Adventures of Colonel Fred Burnaby 1842-85, written by the British soldier and fellow adventurer Michael Alexander (1920-2004). This is one of the original copies, from the UK print run; most copies on the market now are from the 1958 American printing.

This is a rollicking biography of the larger-than-life character of Frederick Gustavus Burnaby, a Victorian star--his portrait by Tissot hangs in the National Gallery. He was reputedly the strongest man in the British Army, and definitely one of the most adventurous. Alexander follows Burnaby's holiday adventure to Khiva, via Russia, at a time when many expected war between Britain and Russia over the latter's advance into Central Asia. This was followed by a solo balloon crossing of the English Channel, the mastering of many languages, a political career as a Tory candidate, and frequent military actions, often in an unofficial capacity while on leave.

This copy is in mint condition. The dust jacket is not--it has lots of shelfwear, but the book is perfect.
215 pages, including photographs.

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