THE SECOND WORLD WAR: Vol. IV - THE HINGE OF FATE (First edition, first printing - a near fine copy in a very good dustwrapper)

A first printing of the first edition, published in 1951, as stated on the printer's page. Numerous maps in the text and folding pull-out maps - all near fine without creases or tears. ***A near fine copy in black cloth-covered boards with gilt titles to the spine. The gilt is still beautifully bright, and the boards are clean - just lightly marked. The dark red publisher's top-stain to the page block has now faded. Page block edges only very slightly foxed. No tears to the cloth, but slight creasing to the top and tail of the spine. Corners sharp. No reading lean to the binding. Spine tight. Internally also near fine, with no previous ownership inscriptions. Clean pages, with no foxing and no creases or tears to the very thin paper - just slight creasing to a few top corner tips (please see scans). ***In a very good dustwrapper, which is complete, with slight surface rubbing and creasing to the top and bottom edges of the spine and corner tips. However - please note that there is a long closed tear affecting the top half of the front panel (which doesn't look too bad in the protective covering we have supplied - please see scans). The spine of the dustwrapper is slightly faded and browned, but the front and back panels are clean and bright. No significant chips, tears or creases. The dustwrapper has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of 25s. net. A very presentable example of the dustwrapper - albeit with the aforementioned closed tear. ***222mm x 148mm. 917 pages. ***'What a theme for a painter in words! What breathless history! It is an incomparable privilege to see the war as Mr. Churchill, directing our herculean effort, saw it then and as he sees it now. Through chapter after chapter one never loses the realisation that here is one of the lasting works of English literature, one of the enduring memorials of our time, one of the noblest tributes to the endurance and resourcefulness of the British people. These memoirs are the master-work of a master-mind. Distinction shines on every page.' - Yorkshire Post (Review quote taken from the back flap of the dustwrapper of the final Volume VI) ***A nice near fine copy of the true first edition of Volume IV of Churchill's "The Second World War": The Hinge of Fate. These bulky volumes are becoming much harder to find now in collectable condition in a complete dustwrapper. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.…