Peace, War, and Adventure:

First Edition of this well-written memoir of a fascinating career. Chesterton served in the field train department of the Royal Artillery in the Peninsula and in the war of 1812 (burning of Washington, Baltimore, battle of New Orleans) and subsequently, with the army of Columbia under Bolivar, as judge advocate of the British Legion in Venezuela. In later life he was governor of the house of correction at Cold Bath Fields, and a noted prison reformer. Uncommon (COPAC has Oxford, BL and NLS only) and here highly attractive.

2 volumes, 8vo (196 × 122 mm). Contemporary half calf on marbled boards, red and green contrast labels, spine gilt in compartments, marbled edges. Foxing to endpapers, light marginal browning, slightly rubbed at the extremities, but overall a very nice set.