The first volume is signed by the author on the title-page, and has a two-page autograph letter tipped-in from Macmillan to Councillor (later Sir) William Cocker, of Accrington, written in 1949 to thank him for a gift ('I am writing to you with the pen - which is really a beauty'), and saying that whilst they share a common belief in individual enterprise, 'we have not forgotten the people from whom we have sprung'; there is also a typed letter from Macmillan's office to Austin D. Smith.

First editions, first vol. signed and with autograph letter from the author; 6 vols, 8vo (215 x 155); maps and illustrations; uniformly bound in red crushed morocco by Bayntun, sides with gilt rule border and emblem on upper covers, spines gilt with raised bands, morocco turn-ins gilt, original dust-jackets bound in at the rear, top edges gilt, these a little scratched, otherwise a fine set.