The Second World War

London: Cassell & Co. Ltd. , 1948-54. First edition. Cloth. Very Good/Very Good Indeed. 8.5" by 5.5". Not Stated. A first edition set of William Churchill's groundbreaking memoirs regarding the Second World War. The first edition. In the publisher's full cloth binding with gilt lettering. All but volume six have their original unclipped dust wrappers. Volume six comes with a facsimile dust wrapper. These volumes retrace the history of the war from its beginnings in 1919 to 1944. Written from Churchill's personal point of view, from own notes and privileged access to official documents while still working as a politician, hence some facts had to remain secret. Considered a personal memoir by a leading participant in the direction of the war rather than a comprehensive history by a detached historian. This set comprises of: 'Volume I - The Gathering Storm', an introduction to the beginnings of war. With the half title page, seventeen diagram plates and one folding map. Collated complete. 'Volume II - Their Finest Hour', how the British people held the fort. With the half title page, eighteen diagram plates and three folding maps. Collated complete. 'Volume III - The Grand Alliance', detailing how Soviet Russia and the United States joined in the fighting. With the half title page, twenty-six diagram plates and two folding maps. Collated complete. 'Volume IV - The Hinge of Fate', how the power of the Grand Alliance became preponderant, including the onslaught of Japan and the war in Africa. With the half title page, thirty three diagram plates, four folding maps and one folding facsimile letter. 'Volume V - Closing the Ring', how Nazi Germany was isolated and assailed on all sides. With the half title page, nineteen diagram plates and three folding maps. Collated complete. 'Volume VI - Triumph and Tragedy', how the great democracies triumphed, and so were able to resume the follies which had so nearly cost them their life. With the half title page, sixteen diagram plates and eleven folding maps. Collated complete. Volumes one to five come with an additional facsimile wrapper, alongside the original. In the publisher's original, full cloth binding. Externally very smart with some shelf wear to the extremities. The odd light mark to the boards. Marks to the boards of volume one. Mark to the rear paste-down of volume one due to the removal of a label. All but volume six have their original dust wrapper. Dust wrappers are in very smart condition. Shelf wear to the edges with some chipping to the spine. Spines are darkened. A few small closed tears to the edges. Age-toning to the panels. The dust wrapper of volumes two, four and five have been repaired internally with tape. Internally, firmly bound. Pages very bright and clean with a few scattered spots throughout, heavier in volume one. Pages age-toned but still clear. The occasional mark throughout. Spotting to the fore-edge of volume one, four, five and six. Several pages are uncut in volume five. Very Good