Tempestuous Journey: Lloyd George His Life and Times

London: Hutchinson, 1954. Hardcover. Small 4to. Blue cloth with gilt spine lettering. 787pp. Frontispiece, illustrations. Very good. Faintest of binding wear and rubbing; endpapers a tad age toned, with front hinge a bit rough but strong. First edition, tight and nice, of this thick biography of the Liberal Party prime minister of the United Kingdom (1916-22) -- with interesting provenance: From the library of Adlai E. Stevenson II (1900-65), Illinois governor and twice Democratic presidential candidate, and after him of Adlai E. Stevenson III (1930-2021), U.S. Senator from Illinois (1969-81). Tipped to front flyleaf is an Autograph Letter Signed presenting this copy from Richard Graebel (1908-76), pastor of Springfield's Presbyterian church. 1p, 5¼" X 6 3/4", from aboard the Cunard Line's R.M.S. "Scythia," 9 January 1955. Addressed to "My dear Adlai." Near fine. Boldly penned in blue ink from somewhere "Off Halifax N.S.," Graebel writes his friend: "Herewith the biography about which I wrote you; it is too good to keep! You will find it absorbing and spiked with humor, particularly the first 250 pages which I highly recommend (e.g. free trade). However the whole book is excellent reading and good entertainment. For example, I like the way in which Churchill's philosophic comment on page 662 fitted the facts. Please enjoy it and Happy Birthday February 5." Signed simply "Dick." Stevenson first befriended Graebel during his governorship (1949-1953), when the Unitarian-raised Stevenson met the noted pastor of the Springfield church. Intriguing, well-traveled 55th birthday present given when Stevenson was about to become the Democratic presidential candidate for the second time -- perhaps Graebel thought Lloyd George's liberal views would resonate with his friend's well-known liberal views. Ten years later, upon his sudden death on July 14, 1965, Graebel wouild officiate at Stevenson's funeral.