Københavns Universitets Promotionsfest den 10. oktober 1950 for Englands premierminister under den Anden Verdenskrig Winston S. Churchill
Copenhagen: Bianco Lunos Bogtrykkeri, 1951. First edition, only printing. Wraps. This interesting item is a substantial, scarce, and attractive booklet commemorating the conferring of an honorary doctorate by Copenhagen University upon Winston S. Churchill, including his 10 October 1950 acceptance speech. While in Denmark, Churchill also received that country's highest humanitarian award. This is not only the first volume appearance of Churchill's acceptance address in English, but is also the only known appearance of Churchill's five-paragraph autobiographical note terminating with his facsimile signature and stating “At present I am writing my story of the Second World War, four volumes of which have been published.” The address was previously published in Danish in Taler i Danmark (Cohen A248) and later collected in the Complete Speeches (Vol. VIII, pp. 8094-6). The text is printed in both English and Danish.
The booklet measures 10.25 x 7.125 inches (26 x 18 cm) perfect bound in ivory card wraps printed on the spine and front cover and with a dust jacket jacket printed identically to the covers on gray laid paper. The contents include seven photographs of Churchill’s visit, the ceremonies, and his speech. Thirty pages include a description of the circumstances giving rise to the awarding of the honorary doctorate and of the ceremonies, Churchill’s acceptance speech, a description of the conclusion of the ceremonies, and Churchill’s autobiographical note.
Condition is strikingly fine, both the dust jacket and booklet immaculate with no appreciable signs of wear or soiling, no spotting, no previous ownership marks, and, indeed no almost no signs of handling or use.
Reference: Cohen A251. Item #004630
Price: $300.00