The Duke – Philip Guedalla | 1933 First Edition, Fourth Impression in Scarce Original Dustwrapper

Author: Philip Guedalla
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London
Date: 1933
Edition: First Edition, Fourth Impression
Binding: Hardback in original illustrated dustwrapper
Condition: Very Good Plus book in Very Good dustwrapper

Description

A well-preserved copy of Philip Guedalla’s celebrated biography of Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), published by Hodder & Stoughton in 1933. A first edition, fourth impression, retaining its attractive and increasingly elusive original pictorial dustwrapper.

The Duke is a substantial and engaging biography of one of Britain’s most distinguished military commanders and statesmen. Guedalla traces Wellington’s remarkable career, from his early military service and campaigns in India through the Peninsular War and his decisive victory over Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, to his subsequent political career and service as Prime Minister. Rather than presenting Wellington simply as a heroic military figure, Guedalla examines the complexities of his personality, his relationships with contemporaries, his political convictions and the extraordinary circumstances in which his military reputation was established. Written with the author’s characteristic wit, elegance and historical insight, The Duke remains an enjoyable example of British biographical writing from the interwar period.

Philip Guedalla (1889–1944)

Philip Guedalla was a distinguished British historian, biographer, barrister and political commentator, particularly admired for his lively prose and perceptive historical portraits. His biographical subjects included major figures in British and European political and military history. His writing combined extensive historical research with a literary style that made his books accessible to a wide readership. The Duke, first published in 1931, is among his best-known works and offers a revealing portrait of Wellington as both soldier and statesman.

Condition

Book: Very good plus. A particularly clean, attractive and well-preserved copy. The binding is firm and tight, with clean boards. The pages and illustrations are clean throughout with only very occasional minor foxing.

Dustwrapper: Very Good. The original pictorial dustwrapper is complete in its principal panels, with some age-related spotting, rubbing and small nicks to the edges and extremities. There is some wear around the spine and corners, but the striking pictorial design remains clear and attractive.

A highly presentable copy, particularly desirable for retaining its scarce original dustwrapper. The photographs form part of the description. It is now housed in an easily-removable clear acetate archival cover.

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An attractive early impression of a classic Wellington biography, retaining its scarce original 1930s pictorial dustwrapper.