Royal Navy and the Peruvian-Chilean War 1879-1881, The

This beautifully presented book captures the spirit of a little known war where the Royal Navy played a peripheral but crucial role. The power of the British Empire was at its height, thanks to the reach of the Royal Navy and officers from that service who often found themselves far from home and in positions of power way beyond their rank. Rudolf de Lisle was one of these and forntunately he recorded his exploits in words and superb watercolours. Together these make a unique record of the war and period. Rudolf de Lisle's experiences are placed in their historical perspective by Professor Celia Wu-Brading's authoritative introduction. SELLING POINTS: A unique collection of watercolours painted by a British sailor of fortune. Rare eye-witness account of a fierce but little known war played out in the Pacific. Will appeal to art collectors and discerning naval historians. Illustrated

Gerard De Lisle is an author and historian.