London to Ladysmith via Pretoria by Winston S. Churchill

London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1900.

First Edition, First Impression. London to Ladysmith via Pretoria is a pivotal work in the early career of Winston S. Churchill, offering a thrilling and immediate account of his experiences as a war correspondent during the tumultuous Second Boer War (1899-1902). Published in 1900, this first edition captures Churchill's daring adventures and astute observations, solidifying his reputation as a man of action and a formidable literary talent.

The volume is primarily composed of 27 letters and telegrams dispatched by Churchill to the Morning Post between October 26, 1899, and March 10, 1900. As Churchill himself noted in his introductory remarks, the book is "mainly a personal record of my adventures and impressions during the first five months of the African War. It may also be found to give a tolerably coherent account of the operations conducted by Sir Redvers Buller for the Relief of Ladysmith."

However, what truly captivated readers then, and continues to do so today, is Churchill's dramatic capture by Boer forces, his subsequent imprisonment in a prisoner-of-war camp in Pretoria, and his audacious escape. This daring feat of ingenuity and courage, which saw him travel hundreds of miles through enemy territory, became a sensation and played a significant role in cementing his public image as a heroic figure. His escape garnered international headlines and marked him as a man of extraordinary character and resilience, qualities that would define his later political career.

Description:
Octavo (20.5 cm x 14 cm). Original light brown cloth, spine lettered in red and gilt with a gilt flagstaff motif, front cover lettered in red and black with a striking black line-drawing of the armoured train. Black endpapers. Features a vibrant colour folding map frontispiece and two additional folding maps. Complete with the 32-page publisher's catalogue at the rear.

Condition:
A well-preserved copy of this sought-after first edition. Original light brown cloth shows some minor foxing, as is common with age. An expert and discreet repair has been made to the top edge of the spine, ensuring the book's structural integrity while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. The gilt lettering and motif on the spine remain bright. Internally clean and tight; maps are crisp and without tears.