xvi, 336 + 32 ad pp. Frontispiece and 6 maps (2 folding). 19x12 cm. (7½x4¾"), original green cloth lettered in gilt. Housed in a custom blue morocco-backed clamshell box, spine lettered and decorated in gilt. First Edition, first issue (with no errata slip tipped in, publisher's catalog at rear dated 12/97).

Presentation copy, inscribed "Algernon West, from the Author" on half title, most probably in a secretarial hand. Accompanied by an Autograph Letter Signed by Churchill to Sir Algernon [West], 3 pp. on his Great Cumberland Place stationery, discussing primarily the draft of an article West had written on Winston's father, Sir Randolph Churchill, which he had sent to the younger Churchill for comment prior to publication. "I read with great attention the copy of your article on my father's life. It is particularly interesting because it shows - as you told me - the impression he produced upon the permanent officials of the Treasury and the India Office... There is not one word or sentence I should wish to add or take away..." The letter is dated March 13, and someone has penciled "97" next to it, crossed it out and written "?96?", but other sources indicate the date is 1895. This is Churchill's first book, in which he narrates his exploits with the Malakand Field Force, led by Sir Bindon Blood, on the Northwest Frontier of India in 1897. Woods A1.