The Great War The Home Library binding (1935) By RT. Hon. Winston Churchill
 
This is the first illustrated edition of Churchill's history of the First World War, a full, four-volume set of the striking "Home Library" issue. Churchill originally published his history between 1923 and 1931 in six volumes titled "The World Crisis." Churchill was in a special position to write this history, having served both in the Cabinet and on the Front. Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 until 1915, but after the failure in the Dardanelles and the slaughter at Gallipoli, he was scapegoated by his peers, betrayed by his Prime Minister, and hounded by the Conservatives. Churchill would go from the Cabinet to the Front, serving as a lieutenant colonel leading a battalion in the trenches. Before the war's end, Churchill was exonerated and rejoined the Government, foreshadowing the political isolation and restoration he would experience nearly two decades later leading up to the Second World War. Despite Churchill's political recovery, the stigma of the Dardanelles would linger. Churchill began his history of the First World War compelled, in part, to clear his name and reputation. But the six-volume epic he produced far exceeded its original purpose. This first illustrated edition was published in 26 magazine format parts in 1933 and 1934. "Magazine format" does not do justice to the publication, which is profusely illustrated on very durable, heavy paper. The publisher subsequently offered two different 3-volume binding options. A final publisher offering in 1935 was this four-volume set produced jointly with The Home Library Book Company. This last binding option is the most elaborate and striking. It features silver, gilt, and blind stamped decoration on marbled red boards with beveled edges, marbled endpapers, and gilt top edges. This binding commands attention on the shelf. This is a very good set. The bindings are square and sound with modest wear to extremities and a few tiny, incidental blemishes. Shelf appearance is excellent, with beautifully bright spines. The contents are clean with no spotting and no previous ownership marks. The gilt top edges remain bright with only just a little scuffing.
 
Four Volumes in Set
 
Hard Cover
1668 pages
In Good Condition