The Battle of Britain, James Holland
The Battle of Britain, James Holland
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The Battle of Britain
Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940

Author: James Holland

Narrator: Shaun Grindell

Unabridged: 26 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 09/26/2017


Synopsis

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.

About James Holland

James Holland is an English novelist, nonfiction writer, and presenter of history-themed television programs. He is known for his work on World War II military history.

He was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and studied history at Durham University. He has worked for several London publishing houses and has also written for a number of national newspapers and magazines. Married with a son, he lives near Salisbury.


Reviews

Goodreads review by 'Aussie Rick' on June 12, 2010

This book offers the reader a very enjoyable account of the five months between May and October 1940 when Germany invaded the Low Countries smashed France and chased the BEF back to England. The book covers the fighting in France, the retreat back to Dunkirk and then the German operations against En......more

Goodreads review by Boudewijn on December 18, 2016

A very populair history novel about the Battle of Britain. James Holland mixes an overall account of the battle with personal stories from people who actually experienced it, from both sides. For someone who is generally interested in history (like me) it's a very enjoyable read.......more

Goodreads review by James on April 25, 2014

I really enjoyed reading this book, James Holland does a brilliant job in encompassing all aspects of the Battle of Britain not just Fighter Command. He details the role played by The Observer Corp, Bomber Command, the RN, the Home Guard, Radar and AA defence. From the German perspective he goes on......more

Goodreads review by Florence on March 03, 2025

The section about the Battle of Britain only begins at page 589. My God. Holland is incapable of not including even a single thing he has researched. Why would I ever want to read full page backstories of people who will never be mentioned again? This book would have been at least a 4 star read if i......more

Goodreads review by Steven on August 18, 2023

It's truly a brilliant read. Owned the book for a number of years now and decided to try the audiobook and it just works so much better. Holland is a master of drawing you into the story or perhaps that should be a master at making history a story. There's no huge chapters on his thoughts and feelin......more