The Hero Of Delhi - A Life Of John Nicholson, Saviour Of India, and a History of His Wars
By Hesketh Pearson
Published by Collins: London 1939 1st Edition
Features:
Fine Binding In Leather
"
Hesketh Pearson's The Hero of Delhi chronicles the extraordinary career of Sir John Nicholson, the Irish-born officer whose daring exploits made him one of the most celebrated—and controversial—figures of British India. Born in 1822, Nicholson entered the East India Company's army and quickly distinguished himself on the turbulent frontiers of the Punjab, where his ruthless efficiency in suppressing tribal uprisings earned him a reputation as a fearless combatant. Pearson paints a vivid portrait of a man driven by a fierce sense of duty and personal honor, detailing his relentless march against the Sikh Empire, his participation in the Second Anglo‑Sikh War, and his pivotal role in the conquest of the North‑Western Provinces. The narrative captures Nicholson's charismatic leadership, his penchant for harsh discipline, and his unyielding belief that British rule was a civilising mission, traits that both endeared him to his troops and alarmed his critics.
The centerpiece of the biography is Nicholson's decisive involvement in the 1857 Indian Rebellion, culminating in the storming of Delhi. Pearson recounts how Nicholson, despite suffering from ill health, led a small contingent of loyal sepoys and European volunteers in a daring assault on the city's fortified walls, earning the moniker "Saviour of India" for his role in recapturing the capital for the Crown. The book weaves together battlefield drama with political intrigue, illustrating how Nicholson's actions helped turn the tide of the mutiny while also exposing the brutal realities of imperial warfare. Pearson concludes with an assessment of Nicholson's legacy—a blend of heroic mythmaking and the darker shadows of colonial violence—offering readers a nuanced view of a man whose life epitomised the complexities of empire in the mid‑nineteenth century."
20th century binding in very good condition. Pages very clean and well presented. Genuine 1st Edition 1st Printing in luxury binding. No loose pages. A stunning 1st edition copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
