The River War.

First Edition, First Impression of Churchill’s second book, preceded only by The Story of the Malakand Field Force (1898), “2000 copies published on 6 November 1899” (Woods). It includes, of course, his account of the charge of the 21st Lancers, to whom he was attached, at Omdurman on 2 September 1898, described by the Dictionary of National Biography as “that last cavalry charge of the dying century”. DNB also considers The River War a “superb” history; whilst Churchill himself more graphically called it “a tale of blood and war”.

2 volumes, 8vo. Finely bound by The Chelsea Bindery in burgundy morocco, titles and decoration to spine, raised bands, single rule to boards, signature blocked to front boards, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, gilt edges. With 25 illustrations, 16 maps and plans in Volume I and 33 illustrations 18 maps and plans in Volume II by Angus McNeil, Seaforth Highlanders. Some occasional light foxing, an excellent copy beautifully bound.