Liberalism and Socialism by Winston S. Churchill, first edition, only printing, bound in Pamphlets & Leaflets for 1908, Being the Publications for the Year of the Liberal Publication Department

London: The Liberal Publication Department, 1909. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Here is the elusive first edition, only printing of Churchill's speech defining the difference between Liberalism and Socialism given in Dundee on 4 May 1908. On the rare occasions we see this very early Churchill speech pamphlet offered, it is typically removed from a bound volume. Here is not only the speech, but the bound volume. The pamphlet itself is a 4 page paper pamphlet dated "15/6/08" published by the Liberal Publication Department and printed by Strangeways & Sons. The volume in which the speech is bound is likewise published by The Liberal Publication Department and contains pamphlets and leaflets published before 16 November 1908.

Liberal Publications bound volumes of this era are typically found bound in a black leather pebble grain spine over green ribbed buckram covers. Here is a less commonly seen binding variant, being bound in a dark brown quarter cloth spine over heavy gray cardboard covers. The book measures 8.25 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide by 1 inch thick. It contains a table of contents indexing by subject the numerous bound pamphlets and leaflets. The book is a fascinating piece of history, containing pamphlets and leaflets of all shapes and sizes, many of which are folded in and, we imagine, are unlikely to now be found anywhere else given their fragility and ephemeral nature.

Condition of the bound volume is very good+ The binding shows only light wear at the corners and minor soiling of the boards. The spine is in excellent condition. The contents, including the Churchill speech pamphlet, are bright and tight. Mild spotting is confined to the title page and page edges. Protected in a removable, archival mylar sleeve.

Reference: Cohen A24, Woods A13.