Gates, The Defence of Militarie Profession, London, 1579, modern calf

GATES, GEFFREY 

The Defence of Militarie Profession. Wherein is eloquently shewed the due commendation of Martiall prowesse, and plainly prooved how necessary the exercise of Armes is for this our age. London: Henry Middleton for John Harison, 1579 

4to (183 x 128mm.), engraved armorial on verso of title-page, two woodcut initials, modern calf gilt, gilt edges, occasional light damp-staining 

Geffrey Gates (1566-1580) was a soldier and polemicist who fought as a gentlemen volunteer in the Netherlands from 1578 to 1580. He published The Defence of the Militarie Profession about his experiences, particularly of the suffering of the Dutch, during this time. He implores his countrymen to "fight with Sathan in plain battell, for the recoverie of [God's] holy Sanctuary… trodden under the feete of Antichrist", lest England too might fall to the Spanish.

"A rambling and at times almost incoherent work, it still has a power to move the reader because of its author's intense zeal and commitment to his cause… The Defence of the Militarie Profession remains a remarkable monument to his obscure yet passionate life" (ODNB).

LITERATURE:

Cockle 26; ESTC S102948; STC 11683