During the first two decades of the twentieth century, the American novelist Winston Churchill was better known than his British namesake. In little more than twenty years he had published twelve highly popular books to considerable critical acclaim. He had also played an important role in New Hampshire politics, serving in the state legislature, campaigning for political reform, and twice running as a progressive candidate for governor. In 1919, however, he retired from an activist life, putting aside his pen and going into seclusion.

A 14 March 1947 editorial in The New York Times upon his death did not overstate his earlier fame and promise. "At the turn of the present century there were two Winston Churchills who were somewhat in the news. One was a young Englishman, who had had a dashing career as a correspondent and soldier but who still had to be identified as a son of Lord...