"CHURCHILL'S LAST GREAT WORK": HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLES

CHURCHILL, Winston. A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. London: Cassell, (1956-58). Four volumes. Octavo, modern full red morocco, raised bands, spines gilt decorated with Churchill lion emblems, all edges gilt. $3200.

First English editions of Churchill's classic history, illustrated with maps and genealogical tables, handsomely bound by Bayntun Riviere.

Churchill believed that "Every nation or group of nations has its own tale to tell. Knowledge of the trials and struggles is necessary to all who would comprehend the problems, perils, challenges, and opportunities which confront us to-day… It is in the hope that contemplation of the trials and tribulations of our forefathers may not only fortify the English-speaking peoples of to-day, but also play some small part in uniting the whole world, that I present this account." "Churchill's last great work was published nearly 20 years after he penned its first draft in the late 1930s, just after wrapping up [the biography of] Marlborough. This enabled him to utilize the literary team he had assembled for the biography, to which he added dozens of outlines he had solicited from scholars… In its final form the original single volume evolved to four, each of which was published simultaneously in Britain, the USA and Canada—a first for Churchill's works" (Langworth, 312). Cohen A267.1.a. Woods A138(a). Langworth, 312-317.

Fine condition.