A Word To Gandhi. The Lesson of Ireland. London: William and Norgate 1931. First Edition. Pp 142. Publisher’s orange paper boards lettered in black. Covers faded with light wear, lacks front free endpaper. Contents in nice bright condition.

An important political commentary comparing British policy in Ireland and India. “The denial of self-expression in the constitutional manner by England led both countries into the path of resistance, Ireland eventually finding her soul at the pistol’s mouth, while India restored to the weapon of non-co-operation and non-violence. In both countries vested interests barred the way to peace by agreement. Ireland has come through her ordeal. What of India?” (p 17-18).

Frank Percy Crozier (1879-1937) soldier and RIC officer, was born in India. In 1914 he joined the Royal Irish Fusiliers with the rank of Captain. After the war he served as a commandant of the Black and Tans & resigned in 1921 amid a blaze of headlines and questions in the House of Commons, on the severity of the punishments he had ordered for men in his charge. He wrote several books of memoirs and this treatise on Ireland. In his latter years Crozier became a great supporter of the creation of a Peace Army. He also became a pacifist and joined the Peace Pledge Union

Crozier sent Gandhi a copy of this book inscribed: ‘Mr Gandhi will be surprised to find in a military man an admirer of his’