The Soldier's Art is the eighth novel in Anthony Powell's twelve-volume masterpiece A Dance to the Music of Time, and the second in the war trilogy.[1][2] The title is from the poem by Robert Browning, Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came, fifth line, “think first, fight afterwards – the soldier’s art.”
The Soldier's Art has been described as among the best novels about the British experience in the Second World War.[3]
The Soldier’s Art opens in 1941. Nick Jenkins’ Division is still in Northern Ireland. General Liddament takes an interest in Jenkins and arranges for him to see a Major Finn in London for a new post with the Free French, but Jenkins' French is not good enough. Jenkins returns to Divisional Headquarters.
In F Mess Charles Stringham is now a waiter. He and Jenkins speak in private about Robert Tolland’s death.
At the Divisional Headquarters Widmerpool, a major and the DAAG, learns he will be leaving the Division but will do nothing to help Jenkins find a post, Jenkins receives orders to London. [4]
It was published in 1966, and touches on themes of separation and unanticipated loss. It is dedicated to Powell's friend, the writer, Roy Fuller.[5]