{"product_id":"vintage-military-history-paperback-bundle","title":"Vintage Military History Paperback Lot — Ballantine Illustrated WWII \u0026 WWI (1968–1971) — 4 Vols | France 1940, Sicily, Carpathian Disaster, Trench Fighting","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"798\"\u003eIf you love \u003cstrong data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"315\"\u003ephoto-driven military history\u003c\/strong\u003e with that classic mid-century paperback feel, this 4-book Ballantine Illustrated lot is pure shelf-candy \u003cem data-start=\"421\" data-end=\"426\"\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e an easy binge-read. These volumes focus on pivotal turning points—from the fall of France and the Sicily landings to brutal trench warfare and an Eastern Front campaign disaster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"798\"\u003eExpect dense, readable narrative plus strong black-and-white photo spreads throughout (see photos). All details below are \u003cstrong data-start=\"728\" data-end=\"746\"\u003ephoto-verified\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the set is priced as a well-loved vintage lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"816\" data-start=\"800\"\u003eQuick Specs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"874\" data-start=\"819\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"833\" data-start=\"819\"\u003eItem Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage paperback bundle lot (4 volumes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"911\" data-start=\"877\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"886\" data-start=\"877\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9 × 6 × 0.25 in (each)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"954\" data-start=\"914\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"927\" data-start=\"914\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paperbacks (card covers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1027\" data-start=\"957\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"967\" data-start=\"957\"\u003eColor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mixed covers (cream\/black; teal; light blue; blue\/purple)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1145\" data-start=\"1030\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1050\" data-start=\"1030\"\u003eOrigin or Maker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ballantine Books Inc., 101 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10003 (photo-shown in multiple volumes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1246\" data-start=\"1148\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1164\" data-start=\"1148\"\u003eYear or Era:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1968–1971 \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1291\" data-start=\"1249\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1259\" data-start=\"1249\"\u003eGENRE:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/collections\/vintage-military-history-and-fiction-books\" title=\"military history\"\u003eMilitary History\u003c\/a\u003e (WWII \u0026amp; WWI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1365\" data-start=\"1294\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1315\" data-start=\"1294\"\u003eLanguage \/ Pages:\u003c\/strong\u003e English \/ avg. ~150 pages each \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1547\" data-start=\"1368\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1384\" data-start=\"1368\"\u003eIdentifiers:\u003c\/strong\u003e No ISBN shown. Publisher stock\/catalog numbers visible on spines: \u003cstrong data-end=\"1466\" data-start=\"1451\"\u003e345-02384-6\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1483\" data-start=\"1468\"\u003e345-02456-7\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong data-end=\"1500\" data-start=\"1485\"\u003e345-01884-2\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1572\" data-start=\"1549\"\u003eEdition \u0026amp; Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEdition\/Printing:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1627\" data-start=\"1603\"\u003eSicily: whose victory?\u003c\/em\u003e — First printing \u003cstrong data-end=\"1657\" data-start=\"1645\"\u003eMay 1969\u003c\/strong\u003e (photo-shown)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1699\" data-start=\"1678\"\u003eFrance: Summer 1940\u003c\/em\u003e — First printing \u003cstrong data-end=\"1731\" data-start=\"1717\"\u003eMarch 1970\u003c\/strong\u003e (photo-shown)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1791\" data-start=\"1752\"\u003eCarpathian disaster: death of an army\u003c\/em\u003e — First printing \u003cstrong data-end=\"1827\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003eSeptember 1971\u003c\/strong\u003e (photo-shown)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"1873\" data-start=\"1848\"\u003etrench fighting 1914–18\u003c\/em\u003e — \u003cstrong data-end=\"1892\" data-start=\"1876\"\u003eNot provided\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2000\" data-start=\"1933\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"1949\" data-start=\"1933\"\u003eDust Jacket:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not provided (paperbacks; no dust jackets shown)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2128\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2033\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003eIllustrations\/Maps\/Plates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Photo-heavy illustrated history format (B\/W photo spreads shown; a map is shown in \u003cem data-end=\"2125\" data-start=\"2117\"\u003eFrance\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2239\" data-start=\"2131\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-end=\"2142\" data-start=\"2131\"\u003eExtras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Some volumes show a prior owner name written on the “Contents” page (looks like \u003cstrong data-end=\"2238\" data-start=\"2223\"\u003e“Bob Scott”\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"2241\" data-end=\"2286\"\u003eWhat’s Inside \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"3046\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2473\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2289\" data-end=\"2473\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2289\" data-end=\"2329\"\u003eFrance: Summer 1940 (John Williams):\u003c\/strong\u003e A tight, dramatic account of the lightning collapse—strategy, command decisions, and the sudden unraveling that changed the war’s trajectory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2474\" data-end=\"2671\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2671\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2476\" data-end=\"2522\"\u003eSicily: whose victory? (Martin Blumenson):\u003c\/strong\u003e The Allied landing told as more than a “win”—friction, logistics, German delaying tactics, and the political\/military stakes behind the headlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2877\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2877\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2674\" data-end=\"2733\"\u003eCarpathian disaster: death of an army (Geoffrey Jukes):\u003c\/strong\u003e A grim campaign narrative centered on an army pushed to its limits—weather, terrain, and planning failures turning movement into catastrophe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"3046\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2880\" data-end=\"3046\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2880\" data-end=\"2928\"\u003etrench fighting 1914–18 (Charles Messenger):\u003c\/strong\u003e A close look at how trench war \u003cem data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"2968\"\u003eworked\u003c\/em\u003e—weapons, tactics, and what soldiers faced in the mud-and-wire machine of WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"3048\" data-end=\"3062\"\u003eCondition Grade: Good\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3089\" data-end=\"3376\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3089\" data-end=\"3099\"\u003eNotes:\u003c\/strong\u003e General vintage shelf wear across the lot (edgewear, rubbing, spine wear\/creases, page toning). \u003cstrong data-start=\"3196\" data-end=\"3215\"\u003eTrench Fighting\u003c\/strong\u003e shows \u003cstrong data-start=\"3222\" data-end=\"3253\"\u003ewater damage and cover wear\u003c\/strong\u003e (visible waviness\/warping and heavier wear). A prior owner’s name appears on at least two “Contents” pages (see photos).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3379\" data-end=\"3422\"\u003eSee all photos for detail—sold as pictured.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-start=\"3424\" data-end=\"3680\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3426\" data-end=\"3680\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3426\" data-end=\"3449\"\u003eCondition Grade Key\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3452\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3468\"\u003eNear Fine:\u003c\/strong\u003e minimal wear; tight; clean.\u003cbr data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3499\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3501\" data-end=\"3515\"\u003eVery Good:\u003c\/strong\u003e light wear; clean text; minor flaws.\u003cbr data-start=\"3552\" data-end=\"3555\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3566\"\u003eGood:\u003c\/strong\u003e noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.\u003cbr data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3618\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3620\" data-end=\"3629\"\u003eFair:\u003c\/strong\u003e heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"3862\"\u003eAbout the Authors\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"3865\" data-end=\"4000\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"3865\" data-end=\"3883\"\u003eJohn Williams:\u003c\/strong\u003e Listed in the series bio as an English military historian who served in the Royal Artillery in WWII (photo-shown).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4131\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4003\" data-end=\"4022\"\u003eGeoffrey Jukes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Listed as a specialist in Soviet affairs\/military history with government and academic ties (photo-shown).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4223\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4134\" data-end=\"4175\"\u003eMartin Blumenson \/ Charles Messenger:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not provided (bio pages not shown in photos).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4225\" data-end=\"4340\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf you’ve been wanting “serious history in a vintage paperback package,” this set is ready for your nightstand.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"2706\" data-end=\"2730\"\u003eDisclaimer \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2731\" data-end=\"2864\"\u003eThe vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"3008\"\u003eWhile I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3259\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3030\"\u003eCare \u0026amp; Handling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.\u003cbr data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3195\"\u003ePlease note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orders $35+ Ship Free","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48009542467839,"sku":"h10-t2-2146","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2503\/7976\/files\/IMG_2001_38b86715-a235-4190-9af8-9193b88f83e4.jpg?v=1767649461","url":"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/products\/vintage-military-history-paperback-bundle","provider":"Reading Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}