First published in Calcutta the year prior, Bristow's autobiography includes a valuable account of his decade-long imprisonment by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sahib.
"Bristow's narrative is infused with his attempts to overcome his despondancy at not having any free will or agency of his own, particularly since his characterisation of himself as a British subject is further undermined by his forced circumcision and his Indian clothes" (Goswami). Bristow write on page 28: "robbed of liberty, I found myself in the clutches of barbarians, who treated me with cruelty and scorn, and kept me in suspense with respect to my life."
His description of life in Tipu's cheyla (enslaved) batallions and the tasks he was required to perform are rarely found elsewhere. On 28 November, 1790, he managed to escape and it was a long six weeks before he was reunited with the British army. Bristow notes that he would've starved without the help of the Hindus who cared for him throughout.
Scarce with just three copies listed at auction in 2014, 1913, and 1867.
Goswami, S., Colonial India in Children's Literature (London, 2012), p.60; Riddick, J.F., Glimpses of India, no. 27; Kate Teltscher, K., India Inscribed: European and British writing on India, 1600-1800, note 18.
