The Battle of Britain

Holland, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0552156108 ISBN 13: 9780552156103

Publisher: Corgi, 2011

The Nazi Blitzkrieg was unlike any invasion the world had ever seen. It hit Europe with a force and aggression that no-one could counter. Within weeks the German armies were at the French coast and looking across at Britain, a country still reeling from the opening salvoes of the war. It seemed impossible that she would be able to resist invasion. But between the Nazis and glory stood more than just the pilots of Fighter Command. There was Bomber and Coastal Command, the Royal Navy and the incredible Auxiliary Patrol Service. In this darkest hour, Britain's defence was truly a national effort, and one that had been considerably better prepared for than the German attack. For the first time, The Battle of Britain tells this most epic of stories from a 360 perspective, drawing on extensive new research from around the world that challenges some of the long-held myths about the battle. Holland paints a complete picture of that extraordinary summer - a time in which the fate of the world truly hung by a thread.

Product Description:

James Holland's acclaimed account of the Battle of Britain. A thoroughly engrossing and good read.

Review:

"Holland is excellent on telling detail... This is a notable account of an epic human experience, told with the informality and enthusiasm that distinguish Holland's work... If the story is familiar, Holland tells it with authority and exuberant panache" (Max Hastings The Sunday Times)

"Holland is one of a new generation of historians who were born long after the war but who bring to the subject a freshness and proper spirit of enquiry. A great achievement" (John Sergeant Sunday Express)

"Excellent on all the technicalities of the conflict... full of lively pen portraits and unusual insights" (Spectator)

"Stuffed with personal accounts that drive the narrative along at a cracking pace" (Patrick Bishop Mail on Sunday)

"Ambitious and comprehensive... the pace never flags as the narrative ranges effortlessly from the cockpit of the Spitfire to the gallery of the House of Commons" (Saul David Daily Telegraph)