THE BATTLE OF FRANCE. by Maurois, Andre. Translated from the French by F.R. Ludman - 1940

London: John Lane, The Bodley Head, 1940. 210 pp + ads, 8vo (8 3/8" H). 8 b&w plates by Edward Ardizzone. "The first part is made up of sketches of the B.E.F. which were published in Paris each week from the beginning of November (1939). I had been asked by the Army Council to accompany the British forces as French official eye-witness. I was delighted to have the opportunity of joining my old friends again. We were full of hope. I spent at G.H.Q., and with the armies, several happy months. When I read what I wrote then, in perfect good faith, I wonder why and how we did not realize at once that our numbers were too small, our equipment scanty, our defence inadequate. As a matter of fact, we did realize it from time to time, but there was a conspiracy of optimism. If these sketches are now still worth reading, it will be mainly because of their significant omissions. The second part of this book is a diary of The Thirty Days War. Most of it was written, not for publication, but for my self. It is not perhaps the whole truth, but all of its true - too terribly true." Light browning to endpapers, moderate rubbing to cloth, light fading to top/bottom edges of spine, a few tiny soiling specks on boards. Dust jacket is worn with a few small tears and chips, is clipped at all flap corners, heavy edgewear, browning, light soiling, old tape repairs on inside surface - now protected in a removable mylar sleeve.. Not Signed. First Edition. Hard Covers. Good/Poor. Illus. by Edward Ardizzone..