The Illustrated London News – Complete Year 1939

Two large folio volumes in handsome mid‑20th‑century decorative bindings, deep blue cloth richly stamped in gilt with the royal arms (“Dieu et mon droit”) and the City of London arms (“Domine dirige nos”). An impressive and uniform pair, presenting the entire dramatic year in which Europe descended into war.

These volumes contain all weekly issues for 1939, including the major illustrated reports on:

The political crisis in Europe and the occupation of Czechoslovakia

The launch of the Volkswagen “KdF-Wagen” scheme

The HMS Thetis submarine disaster (June 1939)

The invasion of Poland and the outbreak of the Second World War

Britain’s declaration of war and early mobilisation

First images of British forces in France

Naval and air‑raid preparations during the opening months of the conflict

Lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs, maps, diagrams, architectural views, portraits, and full‑page plates—this is one of the most historically significant years of the ILN.

Binding & Condition
Two large folio volumes (52 issues complete year)

Decorative blue cloth bindings with elaborate gilt pictorial stamping

Spines and boards bright and attractive with slight scuffing/bumping to corners

Text blocks generally clean; illustrations crisp

Bindings sound; light signs of handling consistent with age

A tear along the creases by 2 of the fold-out plates

These bindings are custom decorative bindings, produced for collectors or libraries, far more visually striking than the plain publisher’s cloth normally seen for this year.

A Landmark Year
1939 is among the most sought‑after ILN years, documenting in real time the final months of peace and the first weeks of global war. The combination of dramatic content and impressive presentation makes this pair ideal for collectors of military history, journalism, or pre‑war British culture.