The War for the Union

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, n.y.. Hardcover. Four volumes. Small 4to. Burgundy cloth (Volumes 1, 3, 4) and red cloth (Volume 2), various color dust jackets. x, 436pp; xiv, 557pp; 532pp; 448pp. Frontispieces, numerous illustrations and maps. Near fine/near fine to very good. Volume 2 jacket (only) a tad edgeworn and rubbed. Tight and attractive later printing of this important set (first published between 1960 and 1971), a mixed set though complete, being the second half of Nevins' great 8-volume set, "The Ordeal of the Union." The first volume is subtitled "The Improvised War -- 1861-1862," the second volume "War Becomes Revolution -- 1862-1863," the third volume "The Organized War -- 1863-1864" and the fourth volume "The Organized War to Victory -- 1864-1865." Tipped to the front flyleaf of the first volume is an excellent content Typed Letter Signed from Nevins, 1p, 8½" X 11", San Marino, CA, 1961 November 25. Addressed to Ralph G. Newman (1912-2000), founder of Chicago's noted Abraham Lincoln Book Shop. Very good. On "Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery" letterhead, Nevins chats cordially about the Civil War centennial. In part: "I know how much you are interested in a dignified and constructive publications program for the Centennial Commission. To date little of an enduring character has been accomplished. I have made out a tentative list of tasks... that I think might be carried through. Publication of the ten separate titles listed in the central section could be arranged, I am sure, with Knopf or Scribners or Harpers, if the right authors were enlisted...." Signed simply "Allan" in blue ballpoint. A handsome set with a choice autograph addition. Nevins (1890-1971) won the Pulitzer prize for "The Ordeal of the Union" (1947-71).