The Story of the Malakand Field Force
Longmans, Green & Co., London, 1898, The first printing of Churchill’s first book, based on his exploits with The Malakand Field Force, led by Sir Bindon Blood, on the Northwest Frontier of India in 1897. Bound in apple green cloth with gilt titles. 336 pages plus catalogue at rear. 6 maps plus frontis portrait. Publication arranged by Churchill’s cousin as he was still in India, resulting in numerous spelling and detail errors, later corrected in the Silver Library edition of 1899. Woods bibliography indicates two “states” based on the presence of an errata slip. Subsequent research indicates otherwise, so no precedence should be construed from such a slip. Original cloth has some faint marks on covers and the spine is lightly toned, but gilt still shiny. There is almost no wear at spine ends. Binding is very tight, page edges show some spots. Owner inscription dated April 1898, one month after publication. Scattered foxing in text, especially at the folding maps. No errata slip. The front hinge is cracked along 3 inches, rear hinge undamaged. A nice unmolested copy, but not fine. (A1a). Item #34750
Price: $5,000.00