London to Ladysmith via Pretoria.

CHURCHILL, [Sir] Winston Spencer (1874-1965).

London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1900. [Travel/History] FIRST EDITION. Octavo (19 x 14cm), pp.xiv, 498 [2], and 32-page publisher's catalogue. Illustrated with folding coloured map, 3 further maps, 4 plans. In publisher's tan cloth with gilt and red titles to spine, black and red titles to upper board, and a black stamped illustration of an armoured troop train, black endpapers. No inscriptions, some light spotting within, slight lean to text block, covers show a little use and soiling. Very good. Winston Churchill's personal account of the first five months of the Boer War, which includes impressions on the Relief of Ladysmith, and also the story of WSC's capture, and dramatic escape from the Boers. He was captured while a military reporter, but fled his prison camp and travelled almost 300 miles to Portuguese Lourenço Marques in Delagoa Bay, with the assistance of an English mine manager. His escape made him a minor national hero for a time in Britain, though instead of returning home, he rejoined General Buller's army on its march to relieve the British at the Siege of Ladysmith and take Pretoria. He was one of the first British troops through, and in fact, alongside his cousin the Duke of Marlborough, was able to get ahead on horseback to demand and receive the surrender of 52 Boer guards from the prison camp. Item #68851

Price: £475.00