Churchill, Sir Winston.

8vo, first edition, first issue, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("Samuel Smethurst Esq^{re. | from | Winston S. Churchill.") on half-title, frontispiece, maps and fold-out map at end, 4pp. of publisher's advertisements at end (Churchill titles) together with 32pp. publisher's catalogue, original dark red cloth lettered in gilt, nicked at head of spine, hinges starting, some other slight wear}

Cohen A8.1.a; Woods A5

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."

A rare inscribed copy of this early work by Churchill. The recipient Samuel Smethurst (b.1854) was a self-made man, a very successful builder and mill-owner in Oldham who was also a Methodist lay preacher and Vice-Chairman of the Oldham Conservative Party, supporting his local MP (Churchill) even when a local vote of no confidence was passed in him during the Free Trade crisis of 1903-4. Churchill of course resigned from the Conservatives on 31st May 1904, joining the Liberals and then standing for North-West Manchester in the General Election of 1906. A letter by Churchill to Smethurst dating from early 1904, supporting the idea of a Conservative-Liberal coalition against "a great cosmopolitan labour movement, anti-national, irreligious and perhaps communistic", is deposited in the Churchill archives.