The World Crisis:

London: Thornton Butterworth Limited,, 1929-37. Inscribed in all volumes A nicely inscribed set, each volume inscribed by Churchill on the same date on the front free endpaper to the same recipient, Charles Hughes. Given the long publication span, such inscribed sets are rare. The first two volumes read: "Inscribed for Charles Hughes by Winston S. Churchill. April 1938"; the remaining volumes, "Inscribed by Winston S. Churchill. April 1938". Hughes's ownership signature is in Parts I and II of 1916-1918. We were unable to determine the identity of Hughes - his signature does not match that of a tempting recipient, supreme court justice Charles Evan Hughes. Churchill's mammoth history of the First World War 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). The set consists of mixed printings: Vol. I, third edition, fifth impression (1930, first 1923); Vol. II, second edition, third impression (1929, first 1923); Vol. III, first edition, second impression (1927, same month as first); Vol. IV, first edition, second impression (1927, same month as first); Vol. V, first edition, third impression (June 1929, first March); Vol. VI, Keystone Library edition (1937, first 1931). Five works in 6 vols, octavo. Illustrated throughout with maps and charts (many folding). Original blue cloth, spines lettered in gilt, front covers lettered in blind. Some light rubbing to cloth, final volume sunned. A very good set. Cohen A69.2(I).j; (II).e; (III-1 & 2).b; (IV).d; A69.10.