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The ultimate, unparalleled family association copy of Major-General S. Woodburn Kirby?s definitive, monumental five-volume military history of the war in the Far East. Published sequentially by Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO) between 1957 and 1969, this complete first-edition set represents a unique historical archive, meticulously gifted by the primary author directly to his son. Four of the five volumes carry intimate, deeply moving, and strategically profound hand-signed ink inscriptions by Major-General Kirby.The complete, chronologically organized breakdown of this extraordinary archive includes: The complete, chronologically organized breakdown of this extraordinary archive includes:Volume I: The Loss of Singapore (1957 First Impression). Near Fine in a Very Good complete jacket (light chipping to spine ends). Authenticated with a historic, heartbreaking primary dedication by the author to the front free endpaper: "This volume, my dear son, would be dedicated, if it were not an official publication, to your Mother. Had it not been for her, I should not have been called upon to write it. Her courage and fortitude, her long illness inspired me as i wrote it and it was finished just before she passed away S. Woodburn Kirby 15.11.1957"Volume II: India's Most Dangerous Hour (1958 First Impression). Fine in a Near Fine unclipped jacket. Inscribed affectionately: "My dearest son, with best love from the Author" Xmas 1958. S. Woodburn KirbyVolume III: The Decisive Battles (1961 First Impression). Fine in a Very Good unclipped jacket. Inscribed with profound tactical weight: "Hoping that you will find this volume interesting and instructive. It carries many lessons for those who can find time to study it" S. Woodburn Kirby january 1962Volume IV: The Reconquest of Burma (1965 First Impression). Fine in a Very Good jacket (small chipping loss to spine head). Inscribed as he built his son's collection: "A further addition to your library" S. Woodburn Kirby 21/6/65Volume V: The Surrender of Japan (1969 First Impression). Fine in a Near Fine unclipped jacket. Unsigned as called for, due to the author's passing prior to the book's official HMSO release, completing the family collection posthumously.An absolutely spectacular, museum-grade set. The books display an exceptional level of care, sitting tight, square, and strong. The publisher's original heavy green cloth boards remain flat, clean, and sharp-cornered with highly reflective, mirror-like spine gilt. Internally pristine, white, and completely free from any non-author annotations, stamps, or page lean. Every single complex folding strategy map, panoramic battlefield chart, and photographic plate is present, flat, and flawlessly intact as called for across all five volumes. Each volume is at least Near Fine. The dust jackets, are at least Very good and unclipped. Being published over a 12 year period, the spines have a varying degree of tone, there is some minor chipping, very occasional short tear. But this remains a highly attractive group. ( Images can be sought, but will follow).
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