Arise to Conquer Value Guide

Arise to Conquer is a significant 1942 memoir written by Wing Commander Ian 'Widge' Gleed, a celebrated British flying ace with 13 aerial victories. This first edition is highly collectible as a raw, contemporary account of the Battle of Britain, published just a year before Gleed was killed in action over Tunisia.

What affects the value of Arise to Conquer?

• The presence and condition of the original 1942 dust jacket significantly impact the $100-$110 valuation.
• Overall structural integrity, including the state of the cloth spine and any foxing on the wartime paper stock.
• Provenance or signatures, particularly if the copy contains contemporary RAF inscriptions or owner marks.
• Scarcity of the first printing compared to later reprints issued after Gleed's death in 1943.

How to Identify Arise to Conquer?

• Verify the 1942 publication date on the title page to ensure it is a true wartime first edition.
• Check for the original cloth binding, typically issued during British wartime economy standards.
• Look for the publisher's imprint, often Victor Gollancz Ltd, which produced the initial UK run.
• Confirm the presence of the original dust jacket, which features distinct 1940s RAF-themed typography.

History of Arise to Conquer

Ian 'Widge' Gleed was a celebrated British flying ace of World War II, credited with 13 aerial victories. Published in 1942 while the war was still raging, this book provides a raw, contemporary account of the air war. Gleed was tragically killed in action over Tunisia in 1943, shortly after the book's release, making this first edition a poignant tribute to his service.