Books

London, London, Cassell & Co. Ltd., 1948-1954. . First edition; 6 vols, 8vo (22 x 14.5 cm); illustrated with maps and charts, the odd, very minor, marginal spot or mark but otherwise near-fine; modern half-red morocco gilt, top edges gilt, housed in a leather-entry slip-case, a very handsome set. This magnum opus took the ageing Churchill some years to complete although he started making copious notes as early as 1940. Interestingly enough the first volume (the six volumes were published over a period of six years) begins from the end of the First World War and when it was published in 1948 there was some considerable controversy over Churchill's access to sensitive information unavailable to other historians. The remaining five volumes progress the journey right up until July 1945, encompassing Britain's 'darkest hour' to her finest. Churchill was already a prolific and highly regarded author and received the Nobel Prize in Literature (1953) 'for his mastery of historical and…

In this volume, Churchill begins his account of the Second World War, analyzing the lead-up to the conflict, the policy of appeasement, and the events that led to the breakdown of peace.