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. Here is a set in dustwrappers of mixed editions. Vols I and II are Harrap later printings, Vol III is a Ryerson Canadian first, and Vol IV is a Harrap UK 1st. Books have good strong spine colour, voils III and IV have bookplates. Dustwrappers are all unclipped. Vol. I DJ darkened on spine, worn with tears and losses at spine ends; vol II dj has a small chip at head of spine; vol III dj darkened on spine; vol IV dj darkened on spine. (A40aa). Item #4595
Price: $350.00