The Books of Sir Winston Churchill

The following is a complete list (arranged by date) of Churchill's 43 book-length works in 72 volumes, published over the course of his lifetime (1874-1965) and posthumously. When titles are divided by a slashmark, the second title is the American, the first the English. Bibliographic numbers are from Frederick Woods's Bibliography of the Works of Sir Winston Churchill (Second revised edition, St. Paul's Bibliographies, Winchester, England 1979).  A Connoisseur's Guide to the Books of Sir Winston Churchill, by Richard Langworth identifies through profuse illustrations and descriptive text the various English and foreign editions, and appraise their value and aesthetic desirability. THE STORY OF THE MALAKAND FIELD FORCE First published by Longmans Green, London: 1898 Woods A1 Churchill's first book: a classic account of the uprising on the Northwest Frontier of India. The Silver Library edition of 1899 contains author's revisions intended for the first edition. Both these editions contain 336 338pp. illustrated with maps & plans. Last reprint 1989 by Leo Cooper (London) and W. W. Norton (New York). THE RIVER WAR First published by Longmans Green, London: 1899 (2vols) Woods A2 Churchill's greatest early work: a prose epic with much relevance today. Editions through 1965 are highly collectable. All editions from 1902 had an abridged text, in which Churchill excised about 25% of the original manuscript, but also some new material. First editions have 950pp, others 456 or less. An indispensable work. The Churchill Center is now facilitating publication of a new unabridged edition. SAVROLA First published by Longmans Green, New York: 1899 Woods A3 Much underrated, Savrola reveals the 25-yr-old Churchill's emerging political philosophy, much of which stayed with him for his entire life (Finest Hour 74 was almost entirely devoted to Savrola. Though Savrola was Churchill's only novel, he wrote several short fiction stories including Man Overboard!, On the Flank of the Army and The Dream. Last reprint 1990 by Leo Cooper (London). LONDON TO LADYSMITH VIA PRETORIA First published by Longmans Green, London: 1900 Woods A4 The most exciting early Churchill work, this colorful book sets down Churchill's Boer War experiences, including his escape from the Boers after the Armoured Train attack and his return to British lines. First editions are beautifully illustrated with cover artwork showing the ill fated armoured train. Illustrated by maps and plans within 498 pages. First of the two Boer War volumes. Last reprint 1989 ("The Boer War") by Leo Cooper (London) and W. W. Norton (New York). IAN HAMILTON'S MARCH First published by Longmans Green, London: 1900 Woods A5 In his sequel to the Ladysmith, Churchill takes us through the march on and capture of Pretoria and his triumphant reentry to free his fellow prisoners at the Staats Model Schools. This is some of WSC's best writing on early military campaigns. 410pp, illus. with maps. Last reprint 1989 (The Boer War) by Leo Cooper (London) and W. W. Norton (New York). MR. BRODRICK'S ARMY First published by Arthur L. Humphreys, London: 1903 Woods A6 Likely a vanity press edition commissioned by Churchill with Humphreys, who was known for such projects, this is the author's rarest work, comprising a collection of Churchill's speeches on Army Reform. Last reprint 1977 by the Churchilliana Co. (Sacramento, Calif.) Included in Early Speeches, a reprint bound from the 1974 Collected Works. LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILL First published by Macmillan, London: 1906 (2vols) Woods A8 Winston's filial biography is still a standard of its type, brilliantly illustrating the great days of Victorian politics and life in the upper strata of British Society. First editions comprise 2vols, 840pp, illus. All subsequent editions are one volume but complete, and the 1952 edition adds a new Foreword by the author and a new appendix on Lord Randolph's resignation from the government in 1886. Last reprinted 1952 by Odhams Press, London. A reprint bound from the 1974 Collected Works. FOR FREE TRADE First published by Arthur L. Humphreys, London: 1906 Woods A9 Another collection of speeches, this work probably saw fewer than 500 copies and is Churchill's second rarest book. Last reprint 1977 by the Churchilliana Co. (Sacramento, Calif.) Included in "Early Speeches," a reprint bound from the 1974 Collected Works. MY AFRICAN JOURNEY First published by Hodder & Stoughton, London: 1908 Woods A12 Those who impute racism to Churchill have never read the enlightened views expressed over East Africa in this entertaining travelogue. First editions have handsome woodcut covers (WSC with his White Rhino) , 61 photos by the author and contain 226 pages. Last reprint 1989 by Leo Cooper (London). Also published 1992 in a limited leather-bound edition by the Easton Press, Norwalk, Conn. LIBERALISM AND THE SOCIAL PROBLEM First published by Hodder & Stoughton, London: 1909 Woods A15 This early speech collection of the fighting radical ("a traitor to his class") is now extremely scarce and many predict it will soar in value over the next decade. It collects speeches that demonstrate Churchill's remarkably progressive views as a member of the last great Liberal Government of 1906-10. 5000 first editions were printed, each 414pp. Last reprint 1970 by Haskell House (New York). Included in Early Speeches, a reprint bound from the 1974 Collected Works. THE PEOPLE'S RIGHTS First published by Hodder & Stoughton, London: 1910 Woods A16 The third rarest Churchill book after Brodrick's Army and For Free Trade, this speech collection from the 1911 election was published cheaply, to be read and thrown away. Now it's a period piece, and scarce. Last reprint 1971 by Taplinger, New York. Included in "Early Speeches," a reprint bound from the 1974 Collected Works. THE WORLD CRISIS First published by Scribners, New York: 1923-31 (5vols, 6 parts) Woods A31 The most compelling of Churchill's multi-volume works puts you at his side during the crucial years 1911-28; fine writing that is impossible to put down. First editions have lately fallen off in value, making them affordable to many; later impressions are now readily available. The US edition is the true first. 5vols in 6 parts, 2500+pp, illustrated with folding maps & plans. As impressively produced as it was written. Strongly recommended for all Churchill libraries. A derivative work was The Great War (1933-34), the first illustrated edition. Last full reprint 2007 by the Folio Society, London. MY EARLY LIFE: A ROVING COMMISSION First published by Thornton Butterworth, London: 1930 Woods A37 Many readers drawn to Churchill through his war memoirs were hooked byMy Early Life. Though inaccurate in places, especially about his schooldays, it remains his most beloved and engaging volume. Fine firsts (392pp, well illustrated) are rare, but frequently reprinted, with probably more individual editions and foreign language translations than any other Churchill work. In print as a Touchstone Paperback with a new introduction by William Manchester, Simon & Schuster, New York. INDIA First published by Thornton Butterworth, London: 1931 Woods A38 Manfred Weidhorn, in the foreword to the American first edition, finds Churchill's speeches on India equal to the war speeches in power and persuasive argument, but in a futile and probably wrong cause. First Editions (144pp.) usually come in orange wraps, seconds in green; the American First is a replica of the rare hardbound first. THOUGHTS AND ADVENTURES / AMID THESE STORMS First published by Thornton Butterworth, London: 1932 Woods A39 There's so much in this book: speculations about the future that are either chillingly or encouragingly accurate, retrospectives on WW1 and divers election experiences, essays on the likes of Moses: hours of great reading. Jacketed firsts (320pp, frontis., cartoons) are rare, but many reprints have appeared over the years. In print in a large-format paperback by ISI Books, with an erudite new foreword by James W. Muller and thoroughly footnoted by Muller and Paul H. Courtenay. MARLBOROUGH: HIS LIFE AND TIMES First published by George Harrap Ltd., London: 1933-38 (4vols) Woods A40 As you read this great biography you will realize where much of Churchill's World War II thought and rhetoric came from. The same themes are there: unity through alliance, death to continental tyrants. Jacketed firsts are uncommon but not rare; however, prices have tumbled. The first British (4vols) and American (6vols) editions contain 2550pp, illus. The American vols. 1&2 equate to the British vol. 1 and vols. 3&4 to the British vol. 2. These were originally sold in pairs. Last full reprint 1991 by the Folio Society, London. An abridged one-volume edition with an introduction by H. S. Commager was published by Scribner in 1968. GREAT CONTEMPORARIES First published by Thornton Butterworth, London: 1937 Woods A43 Churchill's essays on the great personages of his time remains a classic. His views are largely derived from personal acquaintance, and range over a multitude from late Victorian statesmen (Morley, Rosebery, Joseph Chamberlain, Balfour, Asquith) through notables of the Great War (Hindenburg, the Kaiser, Foch, Clemenceau, Lawrence) and on to personalities of the 1930s (Hitler, Roosevelt, Alfonso XIII, George V). First editions comprised 336pp, illustrated. In print in a large format paperback by ISI Books, with an erudite new foreword and annotations by James W. Muller and Paul H. Courtenay. ARMS AND THE COVENANT / WHILE ENGLAND SLEPT First published by George Harrap Ltd., London: 1938 Woods A44 A scarce work that was reprinted only once after the war, this contains some of Churchill's most prescient and masterful speeches covering the period from 1932 through Munich. First editions contain 466pps. Last reprinted 1971 by N. W. Ayer, Nashua, N.H. STEP BY STEP 1936-1939 First published by Thornton Butterworth, London: 1939 Woods A45 Churchill's foreign affairs articles from 1936 to 1939 are compiled in this important work, which chronicles Britain's loss of air parity, France's decline, and the renascent Germany of Adolf Hitler. First editions contain 366 pages and are illustrated with a folding map. Last reprinted 1971 by N. W. Ayer, Nashua, N.H. INTO BATTLE / BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS First published by Cassell, London: 1941 Woods A66 His best selling prewar work, this book contains the greatest Churchill speeches of the war, from Blood Toil Tears & Sweat to his homecoming at Harrow School. 300pp. Last reprinted 1966 by Capricorn Paperbacks, New York, but readily available secondhand. THE UNRELENTING STRUGGLE First published by Cassell, London: 1942 Woods A89 Contains speeches from 12Nov40 through Pearl Harbor and the "some chicken, some neck" speech in Ottawa, 12/41. First editions 350pp, illustrated. Last reprinted 1971 by N. W. Ayer, Nashua, N.H., but readily available secondhand. THE END OF THE BEGINNING First published by Cassell, London: 1943 Woods A94 Contains speeches given at the turning point of the war, following victories at Alamein and Stalingrad and the North Africa landings. 258pp, illustrated. Last reprinted 1971 by N. W. Ayer, Nashua, N.H., but readily available secondhand. ONWARDS TO VICTORY First published by Cassell, London: 1944 Woods A101 Churchill's speeches before prior to the invasion of Europe on 6 June 1944 are key to the canon. 280pp, illustrated. Not reprinted since 1946 but readily available secondhand and as part of the three volume definitive edition, The War Speeches. THE DAWN OF LIBERATION First published by Cassell, London: 1945 Woods A107 Contains Churchill's 1944 speeches on the road to victory, from "Preparation, Effort in Resolve" to "Hope for Victory. 330pp, illustrated. Not reprinted since 1947 but readily available secondhand and as part of the three volume definitive edition, The War Speeches. VICTORY First published by Cassell, London: 1946 Woods A112 The final war speeches, 240 pages, illustrated. Ronald Cohen discovered that there are two states (page 177 is numbered "77" in the first and this is corrected in the second with a page cancel.) Not reprinted since 1946 but readily available secondhand and as part of the three volume definitive edition, The War Speeches. WAR SPEECHES 1940-1945 First published by Cassell, London: 1946 Woods A113 A softbound collected set of war speeches distilled from the previous six titles, important bibliographically as the first collected edition. Now rare, this work was not reprinted since the 1940s, when it also saw a number of foreign language translations. SECRET SESSION SPEECHES First published by Simon & Schuster, New York: 1946 Woods A114 The last war volume publishes six secret speeches, the first being only partial, reproduced from Churchill's typed manuscript. 96pp. The American edition preceded the Cassell English edition. Not reprinted since 1946 but readily available secondhand and as part of the three volume definitive edition, The War Speeches. THE SECOND WORLD WAR First published by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston: 1948-53 (6vols) Woods A123 The books that brought most of us to Churchill. "This is not history; this is my case," he said: but what a case. Volume 1, "The Gathering Storm," continues where The World Crisis left off.the volumes contain 5000 pages, illustrated by maps and plans. The American edition preceded the Cassell English Edition by six months because Churchill insisted on numerous last minute changes to the latter, which he considered definitive. Reprinted frequently, still in print and readily available secondhand. An abridged edition with a discussion by Churchill of the first ten years since the war, was published in 1959. THE SINEWS OF PEACE First published by Cassell, London: 1948 Woods A124 The first of five postwar speech books, comprising Churchill's perorations from the end of the war. Last reprint 1949 by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, but readily available secondhand. PAINTING AS A PASTIME First published by Odhams, London: 1948 Woods A125 Originally published in 1921, this famous essay finally made book form 37 years later. It contains 34 pages of text plus 16 pages of color plates. Frequently reprinted it last appeared as a Penguin Paperback in the 1960s. Readily available secondhand. EUROPE UNITE First published by Cassell, London: 1950 Woods A128 Contains the Leader of the Opposition's speeches from 1947-48, including the all-important "Europe Unite" speech the Hague. Not reprinted, but readily available secondhand. IN THE BALANCE First published by Cassell, London: 1951 Woods A130 The sizzling Leader of the Opposition speaks on Korea, NATO and Socialism on the eve of returning to Downing Street. 430 pages. Not reprinted, and increasingly scarce. THE WAR SPEECHES DEFINITIVE EDITION First published by Cassell, London: 1951-52 (3vols) Woods A136 Compiled from the seven volumes of War Speeches and differing slightly in content, this is the best war speech edition to own because it is printed and bound in superior fashion to the wartime volumes. Last reprinted 1969 by Purnell, London. STEMMING THE TIDE First published by Cassell, London: 1953 Woods A137 A resurgent Churchill leads the Conservatives to victory and makes his first speeches as Prime Minister since 1945. 380pp. Last republished in a remainder binding by Cassell in 1965. Scarce in all its forms. This was also the last Churchill speech book with an American edition (Houghton Mifflin, 1954). A HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING PE0PLES First published by Cassell, London: 1956-58 (4vols) Woods A138 Churchill's last great work, an intensely personal view of history: "Things in history that interested me." was Clement Attlee's humorous alternate title. Broad sweep history in Churchillian style. Four volumes, 1412pp. Last reprinted in complete form by Barnes & Noble, New York, and still available. Also readily available secondhand. Excerpted individual titles from this work include The American Civil War (1961), The Island Race (1964), the Blenheim (School) Edition (1965-66), Heroes of History (1968) and Joan of Arc (1969). THE UNWRITTEN ALLIANCE First published by Cassell, London: 1961 Woods A142 Churchill's last book in his lifetime collects his speeches from 1953 through 1959. There were no reprints and no American (or other) counterparts to this work; as a result it is very scarce. FRONTIERS AND WARS First published by Eyre & Spottiswoode, London: 1962 ICS A142/1 Mentioned by Woods under A1, this is actually a distillation of his first four war books, the Malakand Field Force, River War, London to Ladysmith andIan Hamilton's March. Last reprinted by Penguin, 1962. YOUNG WINSTON'S WARS First published by Leo Cooper, London: 1972 ICS A143 Edited by Frederick Woods, this work is the first appearance in volume form of Churchill's 1897-1900 war dispatches. A subsequent printing, entitledWinston Churchill, War Correspondent, added the Cuban dispatches from 1895. This was the last published version, by Brassey's, London, 1992. IF I LIVED MY LIFE AGAIN First published by W. H. Allen, London: 1974 ICS A144 A grand compilation from Churchill's writings by Jack Fishman, who unfortunately didn't bother to footnote his sources. Not reprinted, but not hard to find. WINSTON S. CHURCHILL: THE COMPLETE SPEECHES First published by Chelsea House/Bowker, London & New York: 1974 (8vols) ICS A145 A nearly complete, and enormous compilation of Churchill's speeches from his maiden political speech (Bath, 26 July 1897) through 1963 (accepting Honorary American Citizenship). Containing 9,000 pages, this work is now quite scarce and desirable. The only reprint was an abridged 8vol paperback in 1983. THE COLLECTED ESSAYS OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL First published by the Library of Imperial History, London: 1975 (4vols) ICS A146 A supplement to the 1974-75 "Collected Works," this is the only collection of Churchill's periodical articles in volume form. It contains all the articles the publishers could find that were not picked up in Churchill's books. Published in two versions, the Centenary Edition (half navy morocco) and the Centenary Limited Edition (vellum). THE DREAM First published by the International Churchill Society, N.H.: 1987 ICS A147 A limited edition of 500 leather-bound copies, of which 20 had handmade marbled endpapers and the rest red moiré cloth endpapers. This work was subsequently reprinted in softbound format and remains available from ICS. It contains Churchill's imagined (some say not quite imagined) conversation with the shade of his father, who returns to visit him in 1947 and is told the history of the world since his own death in 1895, without a hint of the many roles his son played.