The Victoria Cross (VC) had been in existence over 60 years when Archduke Franz Ferdinand fell to an assassins bullet, the event that triggered a Europe-wide call to arms in August 1914. It was an award that democratised military honours, for it was open to all ranks, the sole qualification being a display of conspicuous bravery in the field. The sovereign whose name it bore was personally responsible for the Cross' simple legend: For Valour. Forged, it is said, from cannons captured during the Crimean War, the medals were rather too plain for some tastes. The Times derided the VC as a dull, heavy, tasteless prize when the first investiture ceremony took place in Hyde Park on 26 June 1857. But its virtue, quite deliberately, lay in its very simplicity. It was the action for which the medal was given that should dazzle, not the decoration itself. 
The Victoria Cross became pre-eminent: first in line when pinned to a uniform or appended to a recipients name.

Hardcover – Very Good+.    Dust jacket – Very Good+. 

1st Edition. Not price clipped

Book has 383 clean white pages with b/w photographs, colour maps + index.

Condition:- No Markings, Name or inscriptions.  No shelf wear to book.

Red boards with clear gold lettering.  No foxing.

Leading edges:- Intact (not bumped).

Tight binding.  

D/J - slightly creased otherwise a very good+ copy.

Overall:-  Nice clean copy with bright text.

Books will be wrapped in bubble wrap when posted.

Book size:- 29.5 x 26 x 3.5 cm

Weighing:- 2.4 kgs