Victory Books No. 5; Enlist India for Freedom!, by Edward Thompson. Victor Gollancz 1941.

Enlist India for Freedom! is a short, persuasive book written during the early years of the Second World War. In it, Edward Thompson calls on Britain to grant India greater freedom and self-governance, arguing that genuine partnership, rather than imperial control, is essential for a united war effort. Thompson, who had long been sympathetic to Indian aspirations, speaks directly to both British and Indian audiences, urging mutual respect and political reform. The tone is urgent yet reasoned, reflecting the pressures of wartime and the rising tide of independence movements across the empire.

The book was published as part of the Victory Books series by Victor Gollancz—small volumes aimed at informing and influencing public opinion during a time of global crisis. These books tackled major political and social issues, offering thoughtful commentary in a format accessible to a wide audience. Enlist India for Freedom! stands out as one of the series' more politically charged titles, advocating a moral re-evaluation of Britain's role in India at a turning point in history.

Victory Books No. 5; Enlist India for Freedom, by Edward Thompson.

Published by Victor Gollancz, London. Fifth impression January 1941 (First impression published in August 1940). The front cover describes the book as the '5th Edition', but would more normally be described as a 5th printing of the first edition.

A very good blue cloth hardback with black printed titles to spine. With light wear. With original dustjacket - intact and in good condition. Colour is a little faded and there is one stain mark to front cover and previous owner's inscription to inner front flap. Now housed in a clear protective plastic cover (removable). 

Some spotting and wear around inner hinge areas, but all soundly bound. Previous owner's inscription to first free endpaper. Text is bright and clear throughout with some marginal ink annotations from the previous owner. Some light creasing to final free blank endpaper.

India formally broke free from British rule on 15 August 1947, when the Indian Independence Act came into effect and the Dominion of India was born. A little over two years later, on 26 January 1950, India adopted its own constitution and became a fully sovereign republic, severing the last legal ties with the British Crown.

Text in English.

120pp.

Dimensions: approximately 190mm  x 130mm x 14mm.

Weight: Approximately 159g (unpacked).