A superlative account of the prelude to and events of the First World War. It is still regarded as a defining work of twentieth-century history, reconstructing the action on the Western and Eastern Fronts, the wars at sea and in the air and the advent of tanks and U-boats. Churchill describes the Lusitania's sinking, the heroics of the Battle of Jutland, Verdun's 'soul-stirring frenzy', the bloodshed of Gallipoli, the Somme and Passchendaele, as well as the USA's entry into the conflict. It confirmed the author's reputation as a brilliant historian.

First editions; 5 vols in 6; 8vo (245 x 170 mm); illustrated throughout with portraits, maps & plans, some folding, some spotting mostly to first and last few leaves, a couple of roughly cut, corners to vol. I but in the main, clean and bright; publisher's navy blue cloth, blind printed panels to upper boards, gilt lettering to spine, corners and spine ends mildly rubbed and bumped, commensurate with age, the odd superficial mark, very mild toning to edges, otherwise a very good set.

Bibliography: Woods A31(a); Langworth 103.