Autographed Copy of Winston Churchill's 1959 "LIFE" Hardcover Book Set "The Second World War"

This elegant two-volume set was abridged by LIFE magazine's editors from Churchill's six-volume magnum opus of the same name, which had been excerpted in LIFE between the years 1948 and 1953. Each coffee-table book in the pair is beautifully gold-embossed on the front cover and spine, with colorful interior illustrations, detailed maps, and black-and-white photos. Published in 1959, the books measure 10-1/2" x 14", grade in Near Mint condition, and come with the original black slipcase that has dutifully protected them for nearly a half-century. The title page of Volume II is inscribed by Churchill in black fountain pen, "To - Frederick: from Winston Churchill - 1959." The signature, with a small smudge at the tail end, grades "9". Also, the pen's sharp nib evidently removed part of the recipient's name. LOAs from James Spence & Steve Grad and John Reznikoff/PSA DNA.