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  • The Battle of Britain

  • Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940
  • By: James Holland
  • Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
  • Length: 26 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (806 ratings)

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The Battle of Britain

By: James Holland
Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
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Publisher's summary

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)

What listeners say about The Battle of Britain

Average customer ratings
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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.

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awesome

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

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Battle of Britain from a different perspective.

loved it. a few mispronounced names, places, etc but otherwise a great job. if you are looking for a day by day blow this isn't really the book, but if you are looking for a bigger picture this is it.

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The Complete Story

James Holland has written a very complete history of the Battle of Britain starting in May 1940 and going through November out that year.

The genius of his book is that much of it is written through the eyes and experiences of the combatants, both Allied and Axis. It takes into account the air war but also the seas and the home front in the overall context of this epic time in the history of Great Britain.

The presentation is excellent. A really good listen.

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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.

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Well written account by Holland

James Holland captures in well written detail how the hopes of a nation (and the free world) in 1940 rested on the RAF. Much will always be owed to these brave men.

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Very good accounting

It was difficult at first to understand with the British accent, but I got used to it and it was fine.

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Brilliant history masterfully delivered

This is a comprehensive history of the events leading up to and including the Battle of Britain.

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Fantastic Read!

Great account of the Battle of Britain! I loved every second of the book! Great narration as well!

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Informative

I'm glad it started where it did. It filled in a lot for me. The personal stories of appossing sides gives the true impressions of humanity and the motivations, though not very surprising. I give high recommendation for anyone wanting to know more about this period and the personalities concerned, e.g. Churchill, Dowding, Parks, Joe Kennedy, Georring, etc.

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