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. Original cloth binding has good colour, small wear spot at base of spine, strong gilt titles, but there is a bold owner signature on the front cover. This same owner has signed and dated the rear of the frontis plate in 1898. Binding is very tight, contents generally clean a few very scattered foxing incidents. The 13 line errata slip is present before the first map. Original black endpapers unmarked and unmolested, no cracks. Publisher catalogue dated 12/97 bound in at rear. The all-important spine appearance is highly pleasing. (ICS A1a). Item #36570
Price: $3,000.00