The Official Biography is the ultimate source work about Sir Winston Churchill and the longest biography ever published (the actual Guiness record holder). Begun by Churchill's son Randolph (Volumes I and II), the 8 volume set was completed by Sir Martin Gilbert (Volumes III-VIII), whose great achievement it remains. The 8 Main text volumes are supplemented by 16 Companion volumes (to date) that reproduce in their entirety most of the letters and documents referred to in the Main volumes. These Main volumes consist of Volume I: YOUTH (1874-1900), Volume II: YOUNG STATESMAN (1901-1914), Volume III: THE CHALLENGE OF WAR (1914-1916), Volume IV: THE STRICKEN WORLD (1917-1922), Volume V: THE PROPHET OF TRUTH (1922-1939), Volume VI: FINEST HOUR (1939-1941), Volume VII: ROAD TO VICTORY (1941-1945) and Volume VIII: NEVER DESPAIR (1945-1965). The Companion volumes are comprised of: Volume I (2 parts); Volume II (3 parts); Volume III (2 parts); Volume IV (3 parts); Volume V (3 parts); and Volume VI (3 parts, with more still to come). A total of seven further Companion volumes are planned by Sir Martin.