London to Ladysmith via Pretoria.

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

London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1900. [Travel/History] FIRST U.S. EDITION. Octavo (20 x 15cm), pp.xiv, 496. Illustrated maps, some folding and accented in colour. Newly bound in half red calf over matching cloth sides, raised bands, gilt titles to spine, top edge gilt. Contents clean, exterior as new. A fine copy in an attractive recent leather binding. 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 #72227

Price: £275.00