"HE NEVER RODE OFF ANY FIELD EXCEPT AS A VICTOR"

CHURCHILL, Winston. Marlborough: His Life and Times. London: George G. Harrap, (1933-38). Four volumes. Octavo, modern full crimson morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $4000.

First English trade editions, with hundreds of maps and plans (many folding), plates, and document facsimiles, handsomely bound by Bayntun.

Churchill wrote this history of his famous ancestor to refute earlier criticisms of Marlborough by Macaulay. Originally intended to run about 200,000 words, the work eventually exceeded one million. "It may be his greatest book. To understand the Churchill of the Second World War, the majestic blending of his commanding English with historical precedent, one has to read Marlborough. Only in its pages can one glean an understanding of the root of the speeches which inspired Britain to stand when she had little to stand with" (Langworth, 164). Published simultaneously with a signed limited edition. With errata slips in Volumes I, II and III; none called for in Volume IV. Woods A40a.

A fine, very handsome set.