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THE GREAT WAR
-First English Illustrated ("Home Library") Edition-
1935
First English Illustrated "Home Library" Edition
George Newnes, Ltd. [London]
Biblio: (Cohen A69.9.d) (Woods A31db)
8vo (1,668 pages)
Hardcover [Red leatherette]
Item Number: 19778
Collector's Guide
The World Crisis is Churchill’s highly subjective history of the First World War. Comprising five volumes (in six books) written over eight years, the initial titles were first published in the U.S. (by a matter of days), making the American edition the true first edition. Volume I (1911-1914) and Volume II (1915) were published in 1923. Volume III (1916-1918 ) was published in two parts in 1927 (hence the five/in six volumes ultimate format). Volume IV (The Aftermath 1918-1928) was published in 1929; and Volume V (The Unknown War/The Eastern Front) in 1931. A one-volume abridgment by the author was soon issued. Most subsequent re-issues have been incomplete, abridged, or otherwise condensed versions of the original text.
Description
THE GREAT WAR was the first illustrated edition of THE WORLD CRISIS. The text, judiciously abridged, was serialized in 26 profusely illustrated magazine-like parts that appeared “fortnightly” at newsstands throughout Great Britain. Complete sets were then bound by the publisher in a variety of bindings including this, the most elaborate: four volumes (rather than the standard three) bound in red leatherette, blind-stamped and intricately blocked in gilt and silver, with beveled boards, and marbled endpapers.
This is a very good set, virtually mint and seemingly unopened, with just a hint of edge-wear to the spine ends and at some corners. The cloth and contents are vibrantly fresh, the gilt tops are undimmed. There is a single small chip to the rear board edge of Volume III. Else fine.