Books

Three articles by Churchill from the estate of his literary agent Emery Reves (1904-1981), each in typescript and set as galleys for publication. Churchill muses on the possibility of aliens, the origin of life, and the human body. During the late 1930s, Reves (1904-1981) bolstered Churchill's international profile by syndicating many of his articles worldwide. The articles provided Churchill with an international audience, especially important in his campaigns against appeasement, and much needed income. Churchill sent the articles to Reves, who retained copies and arranged their publication. As attested by these articles, Churchill wrote not just on foreign affairs but on whatever took his fancy. The first is on alien life, questioning whether it would be like our own, whether its existence is possible on the other planets in the solar system, and in the rest of the universe. Churchill concludes it is very probable other planets exist with the same conditions as earth, and life can be expected there. Given the scientific advance in his own lifetime, he predicts "the possibility one day of journeys through space in vessels carrying supplies of food and oxygen to the moon and nearer planets". However, the nearest star systems are too far away for humanity to ever reach or communicate with them. Alien life is probable, but will never be contacted. The second article traces the history of life, from the chemical soup through to the appearance of each Three articles by Churchill from the estate of his literary agent Emery Reves (1904-1981), each in typescript and set as galleys for publication. Churchill muses on the possibility of aliens, the origin of life, and the human body. During the late 1930s, Reves (1904-1981) bolstered Churchill's international profile by syndicating many of his articles worldwide. The articles provided Churchill with an international audience, especially important in his campaigns against appeasement, and much needed income. Churchill sent the articles to Reves, who retained copies and arranged their publication. As attested by these articles, Churchill wrote not just on foreign affairs but on whatever took his fancy. The first is on alien life, questioning whether it would be like our own, whether its existence is possible on the other planets in the solar system, and in the rest of the universe. Churchill concludes it is very probable other planets exist with the same conditions as earth, and life can be expected there. Given the scientific advance in his own lifetime, he predicts "the possibility one day of journeys through space in vessels carrying supplies of food and oxygen to the moon and nearer planets". However, the nearest star systems are too far away for humanity to ever reach or communicate with them. Alien life is probable, but will never be contacted. The second article traces the history of life, from the chemical soup through to the appearance of each kingdom and finally man. Churchill concludes "In storm and stress new types, more highly organised, have ever emerged able to survive the buffets of Fate. In days of doubt and depression comfort may be found in this thought". The third article looks at the human body. Churchill considers how different cells interact and the complexity of biological systems, with reference to human societies. He concludes "Death is the price we pay for complexity, for the division of labour which organisation in a huge community of cells implies; but it is this which gives us the power to understand and appreciate, to feel and enjoy, and I, for one, am content when my time comes to pay the forfeit". READ MORE Each article in both typescript and galley format, all typed/printed on recto only. "Alone": 11 leaves; galleys: 3 leaves; "River" 15 leaves; galleys: 4 leaves; "Mystery": 14 leaves; galleys: 4 leaves. Each typescript secured with paperclip at head; galleys with single punch hole at top left and green treasury tags. Each covering page headed "World copyright by Cooperation" (Reves's company). Manuscript corrections and emendations (not in Churchill's hand) to "Alone" and "Mystery". In excellent condition. Cohen C662 ("Alone"), C666 ("Mystery"); the other not traced in Cohen but may have been published under a different name.

The River War: An Historical Account of the Reconquest of the Soudan (1899), by Winston Churchill, is a history of the British imperial involvement in the Sudan and the campaign to reconquer the Sudan following the defeat of the revolt led by the Mahdist leader, Muhammad Ahmad.