Churchill, Sir Winston

8vo, 4 volumes, first editions, maps and plans (some folding), portraits and facsimiles, the first three volumes presentation copies inscribed by Churchill to Edmond Cecil Harmsworth, Viscount Rothermere ("Esmond Harmsworth | from Winston S. Churchill" ; "To | Esmond | from | Winston..." etc), the second volume inscribed the day before publication, the third volume in month of publication, original dark purplish red cloth stamped in gilt with Marlborough arms on upper covers, dust-jackets (jacket to volume 2 a second impression), spines of first three volumes slightly faded, jackets with some slight discolouration and with some tears

The newspaper proprietor Edmond Cecil Harmsworth, second Viscount Rothermere (1898–1978), initially entered politics, accompanying Lloyd George to the Paris peace conference in 1919, and winning a by-election in the Isle of Thanet in the same year as a Conservative "anti-waste" candidate. In 1922 he became heir to his father's newspaper empire, and in 1929 abandoned politics to concentrate on his business interests. From 1932 onwards he became chairman of Associated Newspapers, accumulating a chain of newspapers under his regime with the reinvigorated Daily Mail as the flagship title. After the death of his father in 1940 he became one of the two major owners of the British mass-circulation press (the other being, of course, Lord Beaverbrook), strengthening Associated Newspapers by diversification into television, property, North Sea Oil exploration and the Canadian paper-making industry. His house Daylesford near Chipping Norton reflected his interests in book collecting and art, with the contents dispersed in 1977 shortly before his death.

Esmond Cecil Harmsworth, second Viscount Rothermere, bookplates, and presentation inscriptions to him by the author

Cohen A97.2(I).a, A97.2(II).a, A97.2(III).a, A97.2(IIII).a ; Woods A40(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."