British prime minister (1863–1945) from 1916 to 1922. Unsigned personal journal kept by David Lloyd George, black leather with later gilt stamping, 2.5 x 4.5, circa 1938–1940. This pocket-sized, lightly lined notebook includes approximately twenty-six pages with pencil notations in George’s hand. Many of the notations are difficult to read, perhaps owing to George’s use of the Welsh language (see below). One of the entries mentions radicals and socialists, “7th Worcester,” and dinner with the Duke of Alba “regarding food for Spain”; another mentions “Psalm 92,” while another includes a reference to “homeless poor sleeping on the streets of Belfast.” Included are two 1972 TLS from George’s grandson to collector Jerry Granat commenting on the origin of the item. In part: “I should very much like to see the notebook…. It may well be that some of the notes are in Welsh, which would account for the parts that you are unable to decipher. In addition, my grandfather’s handwriting varied considerably…. I would date this book at about 1938–40, or perhaps even earlier in part as there are a number of references to the Spanish Civil War, about which he had fairly strong views…. Quite a number of the other entries are day-to-day notes that he obviously made at his farm at Churt; items that needed attention, or reminders.” Light wear to covers, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
