The Second World War, full set of six British first editions finely bound in half Morocco goatskin
London: Cassell and Company, Ltd., 1948. First edition, first printing. Half leather. This is a finely bound, full, six-volume set of British first editions of The Second World War, Winston Churchill's history of the epic 20th Century struggle that was so indelibly stamped by his leadership. The bindings feature dark red half Morocco goatskin spines and corners over red buckram-covered boards. The spines feature raised spine bands, gilt-printed title, author, volume number, and publication date, and a gilt lion rampant in each unprinted spine compartment.
Condition is near fine. The bindings are in exceptional condition, square, clean, tight, and bright with sharp corners and no appreciable wear. The first edition, first printing contents are quite suited to the bindings, notably clean and bright. The contents, printed on post-war "Economy Standards" paper, proved highly prone to spotting. In this case spotting is truly minimal, appearing confined to the fore and bottom edges. We find no previous ownership marks. The gilt top edges remain bright with only minor scuffs.
Seldom, if ever, has history endowed a statesman with both singular ability to make history, and singular ability to write it. As with so much of what Churchill wrote, The Second World War is not "history" in the strictly academic, objectivist sense, but rather Churchill's perspective on history. In his March 1948 introduction to the first volume, Churchill himself made the disclaimer, "I do not describe it as history... it is a contribution to history..." Nonetheless the compelling fact remains, as stated by Churchill himself, "I am perhaps the only man who has passed through both the two supreme cataclysms of recorded history in high Cabinet office... I was for more than five years in this second struggle with Germany the Head of His Majesty's government. I write, therefore, from a different standpoint and with more authority than was possible in my earlier books."
Certainly, The Second World War may be regarded as an intensely personal and inherently biased history. Nonetheless, Churchill's work remains iconic, a vital part of the historical record. The six-volume epic has been called "indispensable reading for anyone who seeks a true understanding of the war that made us what we are today."
Given the fragility of the first editions - which were not only printed on post-war "Economy Standards" paper, but also bound in coarse, black cloth bindings that easily wear and mildew - this fine binding is a lasting and aesthetically appealing alternative.
Please note that we will ship this substantial, six-volume set at cost.
Reference: Cohen A240.4(I-VI).a, Woods/ICS A123(ba), Langworth p.264. Item #007520
Price: $3,500.00