The Speedicut Papers: Book 1 (1821–1848)

About the Book

The Speedicut Papers recounts in very frank detail the life, loves, and adventures of Jasper Speedicut—charmer, sexual libertine, reluctant hero, and friend of the self-styled brigadier general Sir Harry Flashman, VC. Comprising a nine-volume series of linked adventures and anecdotes in memoir format, The Speedicut Papers lifts the lid from a veritable cesspit of Victorian and Edwardian upper-class debauchery that makes Downton Abbey look like a vicarage tea party. It is also a unique account of Speedicut’s involvement in some of the greatest—and also some long-forgotten—events in the British Empire and beyond during the period of 1821–1915. In Flashman’s Secret, the first volume of the saga, Speedicut throws a searchlight onto some very murky corners of the nineteenth century, including the early careers of the notorious courtesan, Lola Montez, and the demon barber of Fleet Street, Sweeney Todd. New insights are also provided into the formation of the IRA, the first Anglo-Afghan War, and the dubious acquisition by the British crown of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. If this were not enough, Flashman’s Secret also reveals Nelson’s actual last words and the existence of a sinister and murderous secret society at the heart of the British establishment.

About the Author

After serving time at Oxford University and the RMA Sandhurst, Christopher Joll spent his formative years as an officer in The Life Guards. On leaving the Army, Joll worked first in investment banking, then as an arms salesman before moving into public relations. From his earliest days Joll has written articles, features, short stories and reportage. In 2014, Joll wrote the text for Uniquely British: A Year in the Life of the Household Cavalry, an illustrated account of the Household Cavalry from the Royal Wedding to the Diamond Jubilee. Since leaving the Army in 1975, Joll has also been involved in devising and managing major charity fund-raising events. Most recently, he has focused on devising, writing and directing events for military charities. These include the Household Cavalry Pageant, the Royal Hospital Chelsea Pageant, the acclaimed British Military Tournament, a military tattoo in Hyde Park for the Diamond Jubilee, the Gurkha 200 Pageant and the Shakespeare 400 Gala Concert. In 2018 he is presenting The Great War Symphony in partnership with Classic FM. When not writing, directing or lifting the lid on the cess pits of British history, Joll gives lectures on topics related to the British Empire and is the Regimental Historian of the Household Cavalry.