Forbes first heard of Churchill from his father, who had fought and been wounded in the Second World War. In the 1980s Forbes established himself as the leading Churchill collector, being keenly aware of the market and often enjoying his direct pick of the best material: with his phenomenal reputation as a collector much was offered straight to him, bypassing all other collectors and public sale.
“The collection represents an abundance of riches," said Harrington. "Rare association copies that connect the dots of a life that changed history, such as the presentation of Machiavelli’s The Prince to Lord Beaverbrook, and original typescripts of Churchill’s own account of the Second World War, extensively corrected in Churchill’s hand, and never before offered for public sale."
Highlights of the sale collection include:
* revised proof copies of Churchill’s The Second World War, with extensive corrections in Churchill’s hand, together with original typescripts, many with Churchill’s corrections, and other highly important research materials used in preparation of the work; from the papers of Churchill’s most important literary assistant and collaborator, William (Bill) Deakin – $750,000
* first edition of The Story of the Malakand Field Force, inscribed to Churchill’s valet and companion of many years - $47,500
* a presentation copy of Savrola, inscribed by Churchill to his military mentor and friend Ian Hamilton in Ladysmith – $47,500
* a copy of the second, and only obtainable, edition of the exceedingly rare Mr. Brodrick’s Army – $150,000
* first and only edition of the rare For Free Trade – $150,000
* a major sequence of signed letters from Churchill while serving on the Western Front, in which he plots the removal of the Prime Minister under the shadow of Gallipoli – $75,000
* presentation copy of Machiavelli’s The Prince inscribed to Lord Beaverbrook, whose Daily Express newspaper was hugely influential – $32,500.
* a copy of Into Battle, inscribed by Churchill with a letter sending the book to Pamela Plowden, Countess of Lytton, Churchill’s first love and lifelong friend – $12,500
Highlights from the Winston S. Churchill Collection of Steve Forbes runs until January 28.
