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CHURCHILL, Winston S.
The World Crisis.
[Vol. I: 1911–1914; vol. II: 1915; vol. III–IV: 1916–1918; vol. V: The Aftermath; vol. VI: The Eastern Front.]
Publisher: London, Thornton Butterworth Limited, 1923–31
Stock code: 42063
Price: £6,000 Currency Conversion
First Editions, first impressions except for vol. I, stated "Second Edition" but more correctly second impression; signed and dated by Churchill in the month of issue on the second blank in vol. I. Working with astonishing speed and energy, Churchill produced this mammoth history of the First World War in the aftermath of electoral defeat. The work deals with his reorganization of the Royal Navy in the years leading up to the War, defends his Gallipoli policy, and criticises Haig's strategy. "Although parts of The World Crisis were highly autobiographical, drawing on documents from Churchill's private papers, the book as a whole was a stupendous narrative of the war in Europe featuring masterly set-piece accounts of major battles. Dictated to secretaries as he strode up and down the room, it exhibited his passionate interest in war and his romantic conception of the 'true glory' of the troops who perished on the Somme" (ODNB). In aim and method, it foreshadows his Second World War.
5 volumes in 6, octavo. Original blue cloth, titles to spines gilt, titles to upper boards blindstamped. Illustrated throughout with maps and charts, many of them folding. Endpapers of vols. III and IV somewhat browned, as often, some scattered foxing, a little rubbed, but in the main a bright and clean set.
