As the title suggests this book gives an account & overview of the rise of the military music in England up until the time of publication in the early 1900s. it is inscribed on the title page : 'To G W Foote Esq with my compliments H George Farmer 12/5/05. There is also a second inscription on the dedication page : 'To L/Bdr Arnell R.A. Band with best wishes G. L. Coleman 19/10/41' (presumably from a later owner of the book)