Somewhat disappointed in the stories; in some, the action was a bit hard to follow, with the dialect and/or jargon being so thick. The idealized Army story seemed more like a wish-list than any attempt to entertain, and the "ghost story" "They" didn't really have much of an impact. ( )

Short stories, each preceded by a verse, mainly on the subject of war, soldiering and sailoring. I doubt RK would have called it his best work, and much does not stand the test of time, though there is a fine petty officer who appears in several stories.

My favourite is the description of careering around the Kent countryside in a steam car. You can feel the masculine love of new gadgets shining from the page. ( )

Book Description: New York: Doubleday, Page and Co. 1904. First American edition, 8vo, vi & 363pp.; minor wear to top and bottom of spine, else a near fine copy in original green cloth with caravel design on front cover in black and gilt lettering and spine. Livingston, 290.