The Subaltern

The Reverend Gleig was a famous military author of his day, a former officer in the British army, a commentator on military matters and a close relationship with the Iron Duke, Wellington. He wrote many works and articles including a biography of Wellington, a book based on his own experiences during the war of 1812 in America and editing the memoirs of a Chelsea pensioner.


Originally published as a series of articles in Blackwoods Magazine, in the 1820s Reverend Gleig's most famous novel, The Subaltern, was published as a book in its own right soon after going through numerous editions. It presents a slightly coloured and retouched memoir of Gleig's own experiences in the Duke's army in the Peninsular and the invasion of the South of France.


Somewhat lighter in tone than some of the more gruesome memoirs written of the war, it is a fascinating read.


Author- George Robert Gleig 1796-1888 (1844–1912)