The War Office — Manual of Physical Training 1931

London, His Majesty's Stationary Office, 1931. First edition. Cloth. An interesting first edition of one of the British Army"s core physical fitness manuals, accompanied by numerous black and white photographic illustrated plates, demonstrating the physical exercises. In the publisher's original red cloth binding.This volume is a first edition, issued by the British War Office.With 76 black and white photographic illustrated plates, demonstrating the physical exercises, many of which are unopened. This copy is also richly illustrated with diagrams, anatomical charts and advertisements to the rear and front endpapers.This edition was one of the British Army"s core physical fitness manuals until Physical and Recreational Training (1940) and Purposeful and Basic Physical Training (1942). This volume notes the moral and mental preparation of physical fitness, reflecting lessons from WWI about endurance under stress. Notably, this is one of the earliest formal British texts to codify wall-scales and assault courses, precursors of today"s military obstacle standards. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Externally, smart. Rubbing and bumping to extremities and spine. The odd scratch mark to rear board, with one or two minor handling marks. Spot of damp staining to fore edge, not affecting the pages internally. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean, if slightly age toned. One or two spots heavier to first and last few leaves and fore edge. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Various; The War Office. Very Good Indeed .