MAP READING
AND FIELD SKETCHING
Lt-Col. Willoughby Verner
JOHN BALE, SONS & DANIELSSON Ltd, London, 1898
A very rare 1898 edition of Lieut-Colonel Verner's Map Reading and Field Sketching, covering military sketching, map reading and the use of the prismatic service compass. The book is illustrated with diagrams and a folding sketch map. Subjects covered include: military maps, the magnetic compass, contoured maps, using maps on the ground, and elements of field sketching. There is also a J. H. Steward advert at the rear, promoting Verner’s latest service compasses and endorsed by General Wolseley: “I think every Staff Officer should possess them. Indeed the compass will be of use to all Regimental Oficers as well. I have bought one for my own use”.
Lt-Colonel Willoughby Verner (1852-1922) was an army officer and prolific inventor of military scientific instruments, with his patented compasses being standard issue in the British army from the 1890s to the start of the Second World War. Verner also patented a Cavalry Sketching Board that was used throughout WW1, and wrote extensively on military subjects. Verner joined the Rifle Brigade in 1874 and served in the Sudan and the Boer War, later becoming the official historian of the Rifle Brigade. His published works included Sketches in the Soudan (1885) and Rapid Field-Sketching and Reconnaissance (1889). Today Verner is undoubtedly best known for his iconic series of military compasses, mostly produced by J. H. Steward and Elliot Brothers between c.1891 and 1918. The earliest of these compasses, and several of Verner's other innovations are well described and illustrated in his book Some Notes on Military Topography (1891).
Condition:
In very good condition. The boards are in very good condition, with a few marks, some wear to the edges of the spine, and the number ‘470’ on the rear board. The binding and hinges are very good and secure. The text and illustrations are in very good condition. The book is signed on the front endpapers by ‘G. H. Spencer’, and there is also a second signature of 'Jean [?], Easter Sunday, Marlborough'.
Published: 1898
Red boards with gilt titling
Illustrated with diagrams & a fold-out map
Dimensions: 125mm x 185mm
Pages: 62
