Churchill, Sir Winston.

8vo, first edition, inscribed by churchill ("To Donald Wolfit  | from | WInston S. Churchill"), original green embossed calico-grain cloth, stamped in gilt, dust-jacket, jacket slighty worn and torn at edges 
[together with:]
Thompson, W.H. Sixty Minutes with Winston Churchill. Christopher Johnson, 1953, first edition, signed by the author in June 1955, original printed and pictorial paper-covered blue boards (2)



 

Cohen A246; Woods A128

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The recipient appears to be the great actor and theatre-manager Sir Donald Wolfit (1902-68), a legendary figure in theatre history, best known at the time for his exhaustive (and exhausting) tours of Britain with his repertory company, chiefly staging the works of Shakespeare. Wolfit's triumphant  Lear of 1944 at the Scala Theatre in London was universally acclaimed as the finest of his generation. "Wolfit's energy and strength were boundless. At the outbreak of the Second World War, against all advice, he carried out his plans for an autumn tour. He also joined the Home Guard at Frensham, and managed to combine both activities, including a short season in 1940 at the Kingsway in London. Later that year, he gave lunch-time 'Scenes from Shakespeare' at the Strand during air-raids. A bomb completely destroyed his scenery and costume store. Undaunted, he continued to tour, and in 1944 visited Egypt for the Entertainments National Service Association, followed by seasons in Paris and Brussels..." (Oxford DNB) He was appointed CBE in 1950.