Arthur Bryant – The Turn of the Tide & Triumph in the West – Complete Two-Volume First Edition Set of Field Marshal Alanbrooke’s War Diaries, 1957–1959 – Churchill and the Second World War

BRYANT, ARTHUR. THE TURN OF THE TIDE, 1939–1943; AND TRIUMPH IN THE WEST, 1943–1946. BASED ON THE WAR DIARIES AND AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL NOTES OF FIELD MARSHAL VISCOUNT ALANBROOKE. COMPLETE TWO-VOLUME FIRST EDITION SET. LONDON: COLLINS, 1957 AND 1959.

Author: Arthur Bryant (1899–1985).

Principal Historical Source: Field Marshal Alan Francis Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke (1883–1963).

Publisher: Collins, London, England.

Publication Dates: 1957 and 1959.

Edition: First editions of both volumes.

Format: Two volumes, complete. Original publisher’s cloth bindings with original printed dustwrappers.

Illustrations: Portrait frontispieces and maps.

Condition: Near fine throughout in very good plus original dustwrappers, with slight creasing, nicking, fading and rubbing.

Stock Code: 004231. Location: Bookroom.

Description

A particularly attractive complete set of the two first editions of Sir Arthur Bryant’s celebrated account of the Second World War, based upon the contemporary diaries and autobiographical notes of Field Marshal Viscount Alanbrooke, one of Britain’s most influential military commanders and Chief of the Imperial General Staff during the greater part of the conflict. Published by Collins in 1957 and 1959, The Turn of the Tide and Triumph in the West provide an absorbing account of the strategic direction of the Second World War from the perspective of a senior military officer working at the very centre of Britain’s wartime government. The two volumes illuminate the extraordinary relationship between Alanbrooke and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, revealing the disagreements, strategic debates and personal tensions that accompanied the Allied struggle for victory. Alanbrooke’s diaries were among the most important contemporary records maintained by a senior British military commander during the war. His position gave him exceptional access to the deliberations of Churchill, the War Cabinet, the British Chiefs of Staff and leading Allied commanders. His private observations were frequently candid, sometimes sharply critical, and occasionally at considerable variance with the public presentation of Allied unity. Arthur Bryant’s books brought much of this remarkable material to a wide readership for the first time.

Volume I: The Turn of the Tide, 1939–1943

First edition, Collins, London, 1957.

A Study Based on the War Diaries and Autobiographical Notes of Field Marshal the Viscount Alanbrooke.

The opening volume examines the early and middle years of the Second World War, from Britain’s initial military difficulties to the gradual improvement in Allied fortunes. It considers the collapse of France in 1940, Britain’s precarious strategic position, the defence of the United Kingdom, the campaigns in the Mediterranean and North Africa, and the increasingly complex relationship between British and American strategic objectives. Particular emphasis is placed upon Alanbrooke’s relationship with Winston Churchill. As Chief of the Imperial General Staff from December 1941, Alanbrooke occupied a central position within Britain’s wartime military administration. He frequently disagreed with Churchill over strategic priorities, the allocation of resources and the planning of major operations. Yet despite their occasional confrontations, both men recognised the importance of their working relationship. The book provides an unusually close view of the pressures experienced by senior commanders and political leaders during a period when Britain’s survival and eventual victory remained uncertain. Bryant’s account also examines the importance of the North African campaigns and the changing strategic position following the Allied successes of 1942 and 1943. These developments helped transform Britain’s military circumstances and contributed to the eventual transition from defensive struggle to offensive operations.

Volume II: Triumph in the West, 1943–1946

First edition, Collins, London, 1959.

Completing the War Diaries of Field Marshal Viscount Alanbrooke.

The concluding volume examines the final years of the Second World War, including the Allied invasion of Italy, preparations for the liberation of north-western Europe, the Normandy landings and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. Its narrative continues through the difficult strategic and political decisions confronting Britain and its allies during the closing stages of the conflict. Particular attention is given to the relationships between Churchill, Alanbrooke and the American military leadership, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The disagreements surrounding Allied strategy, command responsibilities and the timing of major operations provide some of the book’s most revealing passages. Alanbrooke’s private assessments offer a valuable contemporary perspective on the complex process through which Allied military decisions were reached. The book also examines the development of the Anglo-American partnership, the establishment of a second front in western Europe and the military operations that brought the war in Europe to a close. The narrative extends into the immediate post-war period, when the consequences of victory created new political and strategic challenges. Together, the two volumes provide a substantial account of Britain’s wartime high command and the personalities responsible for directing the Allied military effort.

Condition

Near fine throughout in very good plus original dustwrappers. Both volumes are exceptionally clean and well preserved. The original cloth bindings are bright and tidy, and the interiors are very clean. The attractive original dustwrappers show slight creasing, minor nicking and rubbing at the extremities, together with some fading, particularly towards the spines. The red dustwrapper of The Turn of the Tide retains its striking original design, with some fading and light wear near the spine and upper edges. The blue dustwrapper of Triumph in the West remains attractive, with slight rubbing, minor nicks and small areas of creasing. Both wrappers display well and retain their distinctive original typography. A particularly pleasing complete set of the two first editions.

Why Buy From Hornseys?

Established in 1976, Hornseys is an independent, family-run antiquarian bookshop and gallery in Ripon, North Yorkshire. Celebrating fifty years of bookselling in 2026, we specialise in carefully selected first editions, military history, historical biography, maps, original photographs, ephemera and works of art.

Authenticity and Bibliographical Accuracy

Every book is individually examined and catalogued, with particular attention to edition, completeness, original bindings and dustwrappers. We distinguish original first editions from later impressions, revised editions and reprints.

Specialist Historical Research

We aim to provide substantial, carefully researched descriptions that place books within their wider historical context. Our cataloguing distinguishes contemporary primary sources from subsequent interpretations and recognises the importance of accurate historical attribution.

Condition Reporting

We carefully assess the condition of our books and describe relevant defects, including wear to bindings, dustwrappers and text blocks.

Established Since 1976

Hornseys has served collectors and readers for fifty years, developing a reputation for carefully selected stock, accurate descriptions and personal service.

Free UK Tracked Delivery

We offer free tracked delivery throughout the United Kingdom, with secure and careful packaging.

Fourteen-Day Unconditional Returns

We offer a fourteen-day unconditional returns policy. Please notify us within fourteen days of receipt if you wish to return an item. Returns must be received in the same condition in which they were supplied.

Visit Hornseys

Our bookshop and gallery is situated at 3 Kirkgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Hornseys – Established 1976. Fifty Years of Antiquarian Bookselling and Specialist Historical Collecting.