The Battle of Britain

Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940

By: James Holland

Narrated by: Shaun Grindell

The Battle of Britain paints a stirring picture of an extraordinary summer when the fate of the world hung by a thread. Historian James Holland has now written the definitive account of those months based on extensive new research from around the world, including thousands of new interviews with people on both sides of the battle.

If Britain's defenses collapsed, Hitler would have dominated all of Europe. With France facing defeat and British forces pressed back to the Channel, there were few who believed Britain could survive; but, thanks to a sophisticated defensive system and the combined efforts of the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the defiance of a new prime minister, Britain refused to give in.

From clashes between coastal convoys and Schnellboote in the Channel to astonishing last stands in Flanders, slaughter by U-boats in an icy Atlantic, and dramatic aerial battles over England, The Battle of Britain tells this epic World War II story in a fresh and compelling voice.

©2010 James Holland (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This massive volume is informative, enthralling, and moving - often all three at once.... Genuinely brilliant." ( Booklist)

Awesome Story, Narration Subpar

This is a high quality Holland product. No complaints there. But the narration has this highly irritating staccato rhythm, with a breathless lilt that really detracts from the story. Not a fan.

fantastic history, slightly let down by weak narration

The attention to detail and very widerangeing commitment to context are excellent, and for me at least strike the right balance between presenting relevant facts in their correct context without becoming too narrowly specifically or technical.

The narrator, unfortunately had some very strange pronunciations of certain words and names. Some other reviewers have criticized his delivery wholesale, which I think is perhaps a little unfair, but it is very jarring to hear words like "adjutant" mercilessly butched for 22+ hours.

Amazing to hear in their own words!

The personal cost of war is expressed so eloquently in this book. The human beings that fought in the Battle of Britain should be forever remembered for their sacrifice, courage and commitment to duty.

Story behind the story.

Good preparation for WWII historical films and movies. I watched Into the Storm and must admit listening to this first gave me added depth.

awesome

great book. the stories were interesting and personal. listened at work through the app.