The World Crisis 1911-1918. [Complete in six volumes, including: 1911-1914; 1915; 1916-1918 Part I; 1916-1918 Part II; The Aftermath; The Eastern Front].

CHURCHILL, [Sir] Winston Spencer (1874-1965).

London: Thornton Butterworth, 1923-31. [Military history] SMARTLY BOUND FIRST EDITIONS, a complete set. Six volumes. Octavo (24 x 16 x 29cm), pp.[8]; 536; pp.557; [3]; pp.292; pp.x; 293-589; [1]; pp.474; [2]; pp.368. With errata slips, illustrated with black and white plates and folding maps. Bound in navy half morocco with raised bands, spine gilt-lettered in six compartments, 'lion rampant' motif, matching cloth over boards. Top edges gilt; others lightly trimmed. Clean within, bindings unmarked. A fine set in handsome recent leather bindings. This comprehensive account of the Great War is both analytical, and on occasions a justification from the author for his part in the proceedings. It is claimed that Churchill considered the work "not history, but a contribution to history." Since its publication both biographers and historians have considered it Churchill's masterpiece, eclipsing his better-known account 'The Second World War.' Indeed, T.E. Lawrence regarded the second volume, '1915', as "far and away the best war-book I've yet read." Item #61951

LANGWORTH, Richard M. "Guide to the Books of Winston S Churchill", p.118-120. See also WOODS, Frederick, "A Bibliography of the Works of Sir Winston Churchill", and Cohen.

Price: £3,750.00