Winston S. Churchill
Published by Longmans, Green, London, 1900.
First Edition, First Impression. Octavo. An excellent copy. The original cloth is bright and well-preserved, with sharp gilt lettering and an attractive black design. The folding maps are present and in excellent condition.
A Gripping Personal Account of the Second Boer War and Churchill's Daring Escape.
This is the sought-after first edition of Winston Churchill's fourth book, a compelling and immediate record of his experiences during the initial five months of the Second Boer War (October 1899 - March 1900). Serving as a press correspondent for the Morning Post while also holding a commission with the 21st Lancers, Churchill was thrust directly into the conflict.
The narrative vividly recounts his arrival in South Africa, his dramatic capture during a skirmish, and his subsequent imprisonment in Pretoria. Famously, the book's central drama revolves around Churchill's audacious and thrilling escape from Boer captivity – a true-life adventure story that captivated the British public and significantly boosted his early fame. As Richard Langworth notes, this "true-life adventure story of his successful escapade dominates this book, one of the most gripping in the canon, making this one of his most popular books."
Beyond the escape, London to Ladysmith Via Pretoria offers invaluable first-hand insights into the early stages of the war, providing Churchill's characteristic blend of sharp observation, vivid description, and burgeoning political analysis. The inclusion of detailed folding maps further enhances the reader's understanding of the military campaigns.
A cornerstone for any collection of Churchill's works, and a fascinating primary source on the Second Boer War.
Original pictorial cloth, lettered and decorated in black and gilt.
