An archive relating to his contributions to Hearst Newspapers, in advance of World War Two.

Bookseller Notes

The initial contract and the letter from T.V. Ranck of Hearst Newspapers outlines an agreement for Churchill to contribute 13 articles to their 'March of Events' series during 1931 - similar arrangements for that year were made with Hermann Mller (fulfilment prevented by his death in March 1931), Paul Painlev, and Benito Mussolini. Earlier contributors had included Lloyd George, Goering, and the Fhrer himself - the intention was to feature 'noted writers' on 'world topics', the title itself providing an underlying sense that something was fomenting. This archive is from the collection of William Hillman, a New York-born journalist, the majority of whose career was with Hearst Newspapers, culminating in his being - as he was at this time - Chief of Staff for Foreign Correspondents.Two of Churchill's contributions for the 'March of Events' series are present (though in fact there are two 3pp. contributions dated August 15th, on broadly the same theme) in the form that they were originally submitted - by telegram (Ranck's letter advises that submissions should be 'cabled here at the most economical possible rate'). The first opens in reference to the 'present crisis in Europe' - which has its 'taproots in that measureless calamity' represented by the Great War; Churchill's considerations are largely economic - principally the US's growing role as European creditor. His next (possibly in two parts, both dated to August 15th) considers the likelihood of another European war, with an emphasis on Bolshevik Russia's developing readiness.There follows copies of brief notes from Hillman to Churchill, commending him on his victory in the 1931 General Election, and a birthday message in November 1932 that conveys 'sincerest best wishes [for] your continued good health' (in the interim, Churchill had suffered from neuritis, following a fall in the U.S., and paratyphoid fever); and a 3pp. article by Churchill for Hearst (April 22nd 1935, in the usual telegrammatic format) regarding FDR's 'New Deal'. Further brief correspondence relates to arrangements with either Churchill or his secretary, Violet Pearman, though in those of June 1935 and March 1936 a fading relationship is portrayed: each relates, in brief and at length respectively, to articles from Churchill that Hearst have been unable to use - the later based on a 'misunderstanding' to do with his article on the Rhineland, and coordinating its publication of on either side of the Atlantic, which has threatened 'the very cordial relations that have existed between this office and yourself for years'.A 13pp. article (1293 words) on Palestine from the following year would seem to represent Churchill's last major contribution, with the question of payment in the letter following now handled at secretarial level. A final letter, from Hillman to Churchill directly on 9th February 1938, has a conciliatory and respectful tone - commending the 'beautifully phrased and pointed' message from Churchill regarding 'the Hearst proposal [...] we newspaper men still have to learn from you how to write'.This is a unique and compelling archive, presenting some of Churchill's journalism during this important period in European and World politics in an unusual form - touching on issues such as Russia, Germany, and the Middle East; it also provides some insight into the politician's ability to turn his position as a statesman to commercial use.