Winston Churchill – The River War – First Single-Volume Edition 1902

A rare example of the first single-volume edition of Churchill’s history of the British conflict in Sudan during the 1880s, one of just 1,003 copies printed.

Subtitled An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Soudan, It first appeared in 1899 as a two-volume edition, which was printed in larger quantities. Churchill subsequently amended and abridged his text for this later edition, as well as writing an updated preface.

The book recounts the Sudanese uprising against the British colonial authorities, which led to the killing of General Gordon in Khartoum. The British then mounted an assault against the Madhi’s forces under Lord Kitchener, with Churchill himself taking part in the battles as a young officer in the army.

With a portrait of Lord Kitchener opposite the title page, separated by a tissue guard. Includes 22 maps and plans, some folding.

Hardback, bound in red cloth with gilt lettering and a gunboat to the front cover, with lettering and a gilt decoration of the Mahdi’s Tomb to the spine. In good+ condition. Some rubbing to front/rear boards, a little creasing to the spine extremities. Neat previous owner’s inscription, otherwise clean and bright throughout. Binding tight and square.