Churchill had written a charming essay PAINTING AS A PASTIME, which was first published in 1921 as a two part article in Strand magazine. It first appeared in volume form in 1932 within THOUGHTS AND ADVENTURES. It was then published as an individual title in hardcover in 1948 by Odhams. A slim volume, it also included 32 pages of coated paper with colour plates. Numerous reprints make this a common title, but firsts in fine condition are scarce as the linen coloured cloth discolours easily and most jackets are worn. An American edition first appeared in 1950, by McGraw-Hill in turquoise cloth with a pictorial dustjacket. There are two states of jacket known, but no precedence has been established. The most interesting of the reprints is a limited edition of 500 produced by the San Francisco department store Gump's in 1985. Most copies were signed by Churchill's grandson.