Churchill, Sir Winston

8vo, first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author ("To Sir James Stevenson | from | Winston S. Churchill. | 18.x.18."), numerous plates (one folding), partially unopened, original red calico-texture cloth, stamped in gilt and blind, slight spotting, extremities very slightly bumped

Sir James Stevenson; thence by descent

The businessman and public servant Sir James Stevenson (1873–1926), originally from Kilmarnock, was managing director of the whisky distillers John Walker and Sons before the First World War, but from 1915 onwards held many important appointments in the Ministry of Munitions run by Lloyd George. He later held further posts in Munitions, the army and air councils and civil aviation, working as personal adviser to Churchill (then Secretary of State for the Colonies), and chairing the board of management of the British Empire Exhibition, held at Wembley in 1924 (for which he was elevated to the peerage).

Cohen A17.1; Woods A8(a)

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."

An inscribed presentation copy to a distinguished public servant, of whom Churchill himself said upon his death that he "leaves behind an example of public spirit, of rectitude, and of flexible original capacity, which those who aspire to be leaders of British industry may well emulate..."  (The Times, 11 June 1926, quoted by Oxford DNB)