Marlborough: His Life and Times
Harrap, London, 1933-1938, 1st editions, hardcover. Churchill’s monumental biography of his great ancestor, John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough. Thoroughly researched in the family archives at Blenheim Palace, and assisted by several research assistants, this work was published in 4 volumes in 1933, 34, 36, 38 respectively. The first trade edition from Harrap is a lovely deluxe binding. Bound in rich burgundy cloth over bevelled boards, the family arms gilt on front covers, top edges gilt. Books measure 6.25 x 9.25 inches and are nearly 2 inches thick. All four are well illustrated with plates, facsimiles of documents and numerous maps and plans. A first class production which was well received at the time and is highly collectible now. Very Good set of first printings all in correct first dustwrappers. Books are all clean and tight with bright gilt. Vols I and III have slight sunning at spine ends; vol II has a bookplate. Dustwrappers are all unclipped. Vol. I dj is tanned on spine, some losses to 12mm at spine ends, top corner of front cover gone; vol II dj darkened on spine, several chips gne at head of spine; vol. III dj 3 cracks at base of spine, no losses; vol IV dj tanned on spine, a split at top of front cover fold, small loss at top of spine. (A40aa). Item #24340
Price: $2,000.00