This is an upstairs-downstairs view of the Victorian-Edwardian army, one of the world's most peculiar fighting forces. The battles it fought are household words, but the idiosyncracies and eccentricities of its soldiers and the often appalling conditions under which they lived have gone largely unrecorded. Byron Farwell explores here the lives of officers and men, their foibles, gallantry, and diversions, their discipline and their rewards. - Publisher.

Includes index.

A peculiar little army -- The regimental system -- Regimental customs, character and possessions -- Officers ands gentlemen: Part I: Officers -- Officers ands gentlemen: Part II: Gentlemen -- Other ranks: beef, beer and lust -- Discipline -- Attitudes, beliefs and prejudices -- Words and music -- A peculiar relationship: Officers and men -- Education and training -- Reform -- The rewards of soldiering -- Sick and wounded -- Discards and dependants -- Off duty -- Drink -- God and the chaplains -- The Colonel's lady and Judy O'Grady.