London: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1933, 1934, 1936, 1938. First edition. 4 volumes, large octavo. Original orange Niger goatskin by Leighton-Straker, spines lettered in gilt with single gilt rule at head and tail, raised bands bracketed by rules in blind, Marlborough's arms in gilt to front covers, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, others untrimmed. Portrait frontispiece to each volume, 99 additional plates, 14 facsimiles of letters, and 182 maps and plans, several folding.

Very slight lean to spines, inner hinge of vol. III reinforced at head, a few specks of soiling to goatskin, some spotting to initial and final leaves and to edges else contents clean. A handsome set.

A prolific author in addition to being a brilliant military and political mind, Churchill began developing the sweeping biography of his ancestor following his Parliamentary defeat in 1929. Drawing connections between his own life and marriage and that of his predecessor, Churchill composed a fascinating and engaging depiction of the late Stuart court and Restoration. The American philosopher Leo Strauss proclaimed of Churchill's work: "Not a whit less important than his deeds and speeches are his writings, above all his Marlborough -- the greatest historical work written in our century, an inexhaustible mine of political wisdom and understanding, which should be required reading for every student of political science." An important book and an exceptional addition to any library. Near Fine (Item #5077)