Purnell’s History of the Second World War. [First Edition. Extended Set.]

Purnell's mammoth endeavour is arguably the crowning achievement of the 'partwork' fashion of the late 60s. Produced in collaboration with the Imperial War Museum, edited by Barrie Pitt and written by a host of eminent historians, scholars and veterans, the series is equally fortunate in having Liddell-Hart as editor-in-chief. Produced in 'magazine' format, the work as a whole makes full use of its size and space to create a lucid, vivid and valuable account of the conflict. The number, choice and quality of the photographs, illustrations and diagrams are worthy of special mention. The work was intended originally in six volumes (ending with the Japanese surrender), but as the series neared its conclusion it was decided to extend it to eight volumes to include the consequences of the conflict such as the birth of the nuclear era, the foundation of the UN and so on. Technically the set is complete in the original six volumes (complete with detailed index issued at that point); an additional cumulative index was issued for those subscribers who wished to continue collecting the extended set as here. The series as a whole was reissued with considerable revision in 1970-72. THIS SET IS COMPLETE WITH ALL THREE INSERTS WHICH ARE OFTEN MISSING. COMPLETE SETS IN THIS FORMAT AND CONDITION ARE VERY SCARCE.