The World Crisis.

London: Thornton Butterworth,, 1923-31. A stupendous narrative of the war in Europe First editions, first impressions, of Churchill's mammoth history of the First World War. The work deals with his reorganization of the Royal Navy in the years leading up to the war, defends his Gallipoli policy, and criticizes 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). Provenance: the collection of Steve Forbes. Six volumes, octavo. Original blue cloth, spines lettered in gilt, front covers lettered in blind. Illustrated throughout with maps and charts (many folding). Contemporary ownership signature to front free endpaper of vol. I, armorial bookplate of American financier John Richard Sofio (1887-1961) to front pastedowns of vols. III and IV; Times Book Club label to rear pastedown of vol. V. Light rubbing and nicking at extremities, endpapers a little toned. A very good set. Cohen A69.2(I).b (second state, no priority of issue); A69.2(II).a; A69.2(III-1 & 2).a; A69.2(IV).b (second state, no priority of issue); A69.2(V).a.