This book, War and Peace, is of particular interest to Churchill Collectors not only because it is inscribed and signed by Clementine Churchill but also because of the facsimile card pasted to the verso of the ffep. The text on the card is a replication of the inscription Agnes Maisky wrote in a book she gave to Clementine Churchill in 1942. Agnes Maisky was the wife of the Soviet Ambassador to Britain 1932-1943, the book was War and Peace, the same war-time edition as listed here.

Clementine Churchill’s inscription on the half title page:

“The main theme of this immortal work- the destruction of a ruthless invader – is being tragically but gloriously re-enacted to-day. Clementine S. Churchill
April 1943.”

Agnes Maisky’s inscription to Clementine Churchill, later reproduced on numerous facsimile cards:

“1812-1942
We destroyed our enemy then, We will destroy our enemy now
Agnes Maisky”

In 1941 Clementine Churchill founded and chaired the Red Cross Aid to Russia Fund. Clementine Churchill and Agnes Maisky worked together raising money and sending aid to Russia. Almost £8,000,000 was sent together with blankets, medical supplies etc.

While we do not know the recipient of the book listed here research indicates that Clementine Churchill sent out an unknown number of these books all inscribed by her (different inscriptions), presumably to Russian aid donors. Included with each book was a facsimile card replicating the inscription Agnes Maisky wrote in the book she gave to Clementine Churchill in 1942. This facsimile card was pasted in verso of the ffep. The lack of a recipient’s name and, in some instances, a date beneath Clementine Churchill’s signature indicates that these books may have been signed in advance, ready to send to Russian aid donors.

Another snippet of historic interest I discovered:
In February 1943, Clementine presenting Madame Maisky with a copy of of this same book, with the inscription:

“Here is a book for those who would penetrate the vastness and mystery of Russia”

The copy of War and Peace listed here was presented two months later, in April 1943, to an unknown recipient. Presumably the facsimile card pasted in was made for Clementine Churchill as I have seen copies of this version of War and Peace with this exact same card over the years.

Condition: The half title page (with inscription) is separating from the binding at the top of the page otherwise the book is in good condition for a wartime production.

Also included is Clementine Churchill’s only book: My Visit to Russia.

Publisher: London: Hutchinson and Co, 1945
First Edition (the only edition)
59 pp
Original soft card covers
No dust jacket as issued

Clementine Churchill, founder and head of the Red Cross Aid to Russia Fund in the Autumn of 1941… Printed on the front cover: ‘All profits from the sale of this book will be given to Mrs. Churchill’s Red Cross “Aid to Russia” Fund.’

Condition: Front cover slightly faded otherwise Very Good.