The Illustrated War News Being a Pictorial Record of the Great War. 1914 – 1916
A detailed look...
Date of publication: Various
Author: Illustrated London News
Publisher: Illustrated London News
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 8 Volumes
Size:
What are these books about?
This remarkable 8-volume collection of The Illustrated War News provides a first-hand visual and written account of World War I from 1914 to 1916. Originally published as a weekly or fortnightly periodical, these books offer a contemporary record of the war as it unfolded, making them an invaluable resource for historians, collectors, and enthusiasts of military history.
Each volume is packed with detailed photographs, illustrations, and war reports, capturing the events of the war from the battlefronts to the home front. The content includes:
- Striking battlefield photography documenting key moments of the war.
- Illustrated maps and diagrams showing troop movements and strategic battles.
- Artist-rendered sketches capturing the intensity of combat and life in the trenches.
- Reports and analysis from war correspondents, providing insight into military strategies, political developments, and the human impact of the war.
- Profiles of key military leaders and forces, covering the major battles and operations across Europe and beyond.
These volumes not only serve as a historical record of the Great War but also showcase the journalistic and artistic craftsmanship of the time. As original period publications, they provide an authentic window into how the war was reported and perceived at the time, making them a valuable and highly collectible addition to any military history collection.
About the author...
The Illustrated War News was published by The Illustrated London News, a pioneering British newspaper that played a crucial role in visual journalism. Founded in 1842 by Herbert Ingram, The Illustrated London News was the world’s first illustrated newspaper, revolutionising how news was reported by combining written journalism with detailed engravings, photographs, and artwork.
During World War I, the publication launched The Illustrated War News, a specialised wartime edition that provided first-hand accounts of the conflict with a focus on visual storytelling.
Our views about the book...
At West Cove Books, we are always drawn to historical works that provide genuine insight into the past, and this 8-volume collection of The Illustrated War News is an extraordinary piece of history. Published between 1914 and 1916 by The Illustrated London News, these volumes offer a contemporary record of World War I as it unfolded, making them a rare and valuable resource for historians, collectors, and military enthusiasts alike.
Unlike modern historical accounts, these books present first-hand war reporting, packed with striking photographs, battlefield sketches, maps, and analysis. The illustrations are particularly compelling, capturing trench warfare, key battles, military leaders, and daily life on the frontlines with a level of artistic detail rarely seen today.
What makes these volumes truly special is the way they transport the reader back to the uncertainties of wartime Britain. This is not just a historical summary—it is history as it was experienced and reported in real-time. Whether you are interested in military strategy, wartime journalism, or the evolution of visual reporting, these books offer a rich, authentic perspective that modern accounts simply cannot replicate.
For collectors, this 8-volume set is a superb find, providing a complete visual archive of the early years of the Great War. Well-preserved editions are becoming increasingly difficult to source, making this collection an exceptional addition to any serious library of military history.
A truly fascinating and significant historical work, and one we highly recommend to anyone passionate about World War I, early 20th-century journalism, or rare illustrated books.
How rare and collectible are these books?
This 8-volume set of The Illustrated War News is a highly collectible and increasingly rare historical work, offering an unparalleled visual and written account of World War I from 1914 to 1916. As a first-hand pictorial record published in real-time by The Illustrated London News, these books were never mass-produced in the way modern historical accounts are, making complete, well-preserved sets like this particularly desirable to collectors and historians alike.
Survivability & Condition:
- As wartime periodicals, many copies were used extensively, damaged, or lost over time.
- Finding a complete, 8-volume set in great condition is increasingly difficult.
- The original bindings, pages, and photographic reproductions were printed over a century ago, meaning many surviving copies suffer from wear. This set, however, has been well-preserved, making it a true rarity.
Historical & Collectible Value:
- These books provide contemporary reports of World War I, rather than retrospective accounts.
- Each volume captures the war as it happened, with detailed photographs, battle diagrams, and artist sketches that are historical artefacts in their own right.
- Unlike modern reprints, these original editions carry the authentic texture of wartime publishing, adding to their collectibility.
Desirability Among Collectors & Historians:
- Serious collectors of military history, wartime journalism, and illustrated books seek out original editions like these.
- As the years pass, high-quality volumes are becoming more difficult to source.
- Institutions, libraries, and museums often seek to acquire such well-preserved sets, making them a strong investment for collectors.
Given its exceptional condition, completeness, and historical significance, this 8-volume set of The Illustrated War News represents a rare opportunity to own a genuine first-hand visual record of the Great War. Whether for a private collection, a research archive, or simply for those who appreciate historical publishing at its finest, this set is a remarkable and valuable find.
The condition of these books...
The current set we have is in great condition, obviously there is some wear and discolouration along with some marks but overall this is a lovely set. The spine of one book is more faded that the others which you can see in the pics. there are some creased pages and worn corners but for the age of the set they are exceptional.
View these books in the store...
-
- Sale!
- Pre-ISBN, Antiquarian Rare & Collectable, None Fiction
- The Illustrated War News Being a Pictorial Record of the Great War. 1914 – 1916 8 Volumes. book by Illustrated London News ISBN:
- Original price was: £695.75.£495.55Current price is: £495.55.
- Add to basket
Out of stock? You might still find this book on our eBay store! CLICK HERE (This link contains an affiliate code, which helps support our costs at no extra charge to you.)
Share Our Passion for Rare & Remarkable Books – Share this Page and Spread the Word!
