Post-War Speeches: The Sinews of Peace; Europe Unite; In The Balance; Stemming The Tide; The Unwritten Alliance. Edited by Randolph S. Churchill.

London: Cassell and Company Ltd,, 1948-61. Building the post-war world First editions, first impressions, of the full set of the publications of Churchill's post-war speeches, edited by his son Randolph. Though Churchill's post-war life is often seen as a footnote to his wartime leadership, his renowned oratory still attracted huge audiences, and his speeches were publicized around the world. The speeches cover the period from Churchill's role as Leader of the Opposition following his unexpected 1945 election defeat (including the famous Iron Curtain speech), to his return to Downing Street from 1951 to 1955, and to his final retirement from high office. Themes include the need for European unity and to counter the Soviet threat. Events covered include the Queen's coronation, decolonization, Indian independence, the creation of Israel, and the Labour government's programme of nationalization and the expansion of the welfare state. Provenance: the collection of Steve Forbes. Five volumes, octavo. Original cloth, spines lettered in gilt or silver. With dust jackets. Unclipped jackets a little worn at extremities; fine copies in very good jackets. Cohen A241.1, A246, A255, A264, A273; Woods A124; A128; A130; A137; A142.