AUTOBIOGRAPHY and its half-brother biography are two of the most useful members of the great family of literature. Lord Roberts placed a high value on their services. His own fascinating Forty One Years in India and his careful study of the Rise of Wellington are sufficient proofs of this. Throughout his long life, Roberts always retained his youthful affection for John Nicholson. Nicholson impressed the author more profoundly. He was the beau-ideal of a soldier and a gentleman. The author acknowledges him in this book.