On Human Rights
New York: The Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, 1963. Third edition (First U.S. edition), first printing. Paperback. In 1941, extracts from two Churchill speeches delivered in the House of Commons on 4 May 1909 and at King's Theatre, Edinburgh, 17 July 1909, were published as "The Menace of Land Monopoly" by the Henry George Foundation of Australia. A second edition of 1942 retitled the publication as "On Human Rights". The publisher's original introductory note states: "In now publishing these extracts it is hoped that Mr. Churchill's eloquent and emphatic criticism of the present Land System will not be lost sight of in the post-war reconstruction for a New Social Order of which so much is being heard."
Less well known is this first American edition (the third edition overall following the first two Australian editions) published in the early 1960s by The Robert Schalkenbach Foundation. Robert Schalkenbach was a wealthy printer who established a fund to promote public awareness of the social philosophy and economic principles of Henry George. There were two printings of this elusive American edition, one before 1963 and one following. Here is the first U.S. edition, first printing, denoted by a different address and the lack of a Zip code in the Foundation's address printed on the front cover. The style closely follows that of the wartime second edition published by the Henry George Foundation, but differs slightly in content and size.
The pamphlet measures 7.25 inches x 4.875 inches (18.42 x 12.38 cm) and is 12 pages in length. The binding is wire stitched, cream-colored card wraps with a photo of Churchill on the front cover. The publication is undated, but Churchill bibliographer Ronald Cohen (Volume I, pages 545-46) believes publication of this first printing likely preceded mid-1963. The Introductory Note, closing poem, and list of "Literature Obtainable" from the namesake second edition of 1942 are omitted. Added are a note on the front cover verso identifying the origin of the two speech extracts, a list of "Books and Pamphlets By Henry George" on the final page, and a brief background on The Robert Schalkenbach Foundation on the rear cover verso. Condition of this scarce pamphlet is near-fine. The thin card covers remain clean, complete, and firmly attached with no tears or losses and only light scuffing. The two binding staples remain intact and show virtually no corrosion. The contents are crisp and bright with no spotting or previous ownership marks. The pamphlet is protected within a removable, clear, archival sleeve.
Reference: Cohen A140.3.a, this edition unknown to Woods. Item #001969
Price: $200.00