Galloper Jack is Brough Scott’s moving biography of his grandfather – the author of the best-selling Warrior: the Amazing Story of a Real War Horse.
‘Galloper’ Jack Seely was at the heart of some of the most important events of the first part of the 20th century. His early life was one of adventure, sailing to the Antipodes, saving the crew of a French ship wrecked off the coast of the Isle of Wight and later raising a squadron and joining the Boer War, where he was awarded the DSO for his bravery.
On his return to England he was elected Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, but just like his close friend Winston Churchill, later crossed over to the Liberal party. There he became a member of Asquith’s War Council. However, disaster struck in the shape of the Curragh mutiny. Though Seely had little choice in his actions, he was made a scapegoat. Forced to resign, he was sent to the Western Front and there made his name as a humane and innovative leader. But this experience altered his opinions of battle. His insistence that there should never be another Great War led him to embrace appeasement without questioning the Nazi regime. It was a decision that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Written with honesty and wit, this is an exciting, unusual and thought-provoking biography of a man who has been unfairly treated by history.
“Brough Scott’s odyssey is truly an engaging one … the story is all energy, with a journalist’s eye for the evidence, and told with obvious affection and honesty.”
The Times
“An enthralling book about a wild adventurer, a courageous soldier, a politician, an Empire-builder of the old school …quite magnificent.”
Daily Mail
“A wry, affectionate and far from partial biography … the story of Seely’s life is never lest than compelling”
Sunday Telegraph
Galloper Jack: The Remarkable Story of the Man who Rode a Real War Horse is available from www.racingpost.com/shop and all good bookshops priced £12.99.
Allison is the Publisher of Eclipse Magazine. She loves going to the Races and is learning to bet (despite being officially the worst bettor in the History of the Universe), there’s a lot more to learn…
