“ONE OF THE MOST BRILLIANT TREATISES ON WAR THAT HAS EVER BEEN WRITTEN”

CHURCHILL, Winston. The World Crisis. London: Thornton Butterworth, (1923-31). Six volumes. Octavo, original navy cloth. $6000.

First English editions of Churchill’s important history of World War I. "Not only the best account of the most tremendous convulsion the world has ever seen, but one of the most brilliant treatises on war that has ever been written" (Spectator).

During WWI, Churchill served variously as the head of the British Navy, Minister for Munitions, and as a foot soldier in the trenches. The World Crisis offers his first-hand account of the British government's massive efforts to win the war, and depicts the political events that would serve as object lessons for Churchill when WWII broke out. Illustrated with numerous maps (many folding), charts, facsimiles, photographs, and a large folding colored map at rear of last volume. Preceded by the American editions, although "the English is more aesthetically desirable… equipped with shoulder notes on each page which summarize the subject of that page… It is more popular among collectors who wish to own only one edition" (Langworth, 108). Each volume was issued separately. Volume I with errata slip at p. 338; with errata slips in Volumes III and IV as called for. Without scarce dust jackets. Cohen A69.2. Woods A31(a). Langworth, 105-108. Bookplates.

A handsome set in fine condition.