Winston Spencer Churchill – The World Crisis 1911–1918 – Complete in six volumes – With SIGNED Slip From Churchill

Comprising: 1911–1914; 1915; 1916–1918, Part I; 1916–1918, Part II; The Aftermath; and The Eastern Front. London: Thornton Butterworth, 1923–1931.

FIRST UK EDITIONS, WITH AN AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED BY WINSTON CHURCHILL. Complete in six volumes. Octavo (24 x 16 x 29cm), pp.[8] 536; pp.557 [3]; pp.292; pp.x, 293–589 [1]; pp.474 [2]; pp.368. With errata slips, illustrated with black-and-white plates and folding maps. Publisher’s blue cloth titled in gilt to spines and blind-stamped to upper boards.

Tipped in at the front of volume I is a single-page autograph sentiment in Churchill’s hand, reading: “With all good wishes / Winston S. Churchill,” followed by his characteristic flourish. The autograph is supported by impeccable provenance.

A black-ink ownership inscription to the front pastedowns of volumes I and II; otherwise clean and unmarked internally, with a little light toning and occasional spotting. Some light general wear to the bindings. A solid, very good complete set, considerably enhanced by the autograph sentiment from Churchill.

Churchill’s comprehensive account of the Great War is both analytical and, on occasion, a justification of his own part in its proceedings. Churchill himself disclaimed the position of historian, presenting the work as “a contribution to history”. Since publication, numerous biographers and historians have considered it Churchill’s masterpiece, eclipsing even his better-known account of the Second World War. T. E. Lawrence regarded the second volume, 1915, as “far and away the best war-book I’ve yet read.”