The Splendid and the Vile

A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz

By: Erik Larson

Narrated by: John Lee, Erik Larson

Length: 17 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The number one New York Times best-selling author of The Devil in the White City and Dead Wake delivers a fresh and compelling portrait of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz.

NAMED ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2020 BY The Washington Post • HuffPost • The Seattle Times • Lit Hub • The Week • PopSugar

On Winston Churchill’s first day as prime minister, Adolf Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next 12 months, Hitler would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons. It was up to Churchill to hold his country together and persuade President Franklin Roosevelt that Britain was a worthy ally - and willing to fight to the end.

In The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson shows, in cinematic detail, how Churchill taught the British people "the art of being fearless." It is a story of political brinkmanship, but it’s also an intimate domestic drama, set against the backdrop of Churchill’s prime-ministerial country home, Chequers; his wartime retreat, Ditchley, where he and his entourage go when the moon is brightest and the bombing threat is highest; and, of course, 10 Downing Street in London.

Drawing on diaries, original archival documents, and once-secret intelligence reports - some released only recently - Larson provides a new lens on London’s darkest year through the day-to-day experience of Churchill and his family: his wife, Clementine; their youngest daughter, Mary, who chafes against her parents’ wartime protectiveness; their son, Randolph, and his beautiful, unhappy wife, Pamela; Pamela’s illicit lover, a dashing American emissary; and the advisers in Churchill’s "Secret Circle", to whom he turns in the hardest moments.

The Splendid and the Vile takes listeners out of today’s political dysfunction and back to a time of true leadership, when, in the face of unrelenting horror, Churchill’s eloquence, courage, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together.

This audiobook includes a recording of Winston Churchill's 1941 Christmas Eve speech.

©2020 Erik Larson (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"What Larson brilliantly provides are the finer details of the effects on England as he focuses on the family and home of its dynamic, idiosyncratic, and indefatigable leader.... Larson's skill at integrating vast research and talent for capturing compelling human dramas culminate in an inspirational portrait of one of history’s finest, most fearless leaders." (Booklist, starred review)

"A captivating history of Churchill’s heroic year, with more than the usual emphasis on his intimates." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"The kind of page-turner you always want in a history book but rarely get...Larson gives the reader a ‘you are there’ sense of the intensity of Churchill’s work with his team on life-and-death challenges - and solving them at a pace I found to be mind-blowing." (Bill Gates, GatesNotes)

Wow. An inside view of The Battle of Britain.

This is an inside view of Churchill and the Battle of Britain. A fine example of a personally imperfect person being the perfect person for the task at hand. There is always so much more to history than we are lead to believe.

Amazing book Larsons best!!!

This was one of the best books that I’ve ever read or listen to if you enjoy history or if you’re even mildly curious you definitely need to read this book. The amount of research and backstory that it must have taken to accomplish this amazing feat is incredible. The only thing that would make it better is if I had a signed copy Place on the mantle please.

Erik Larson’s triumph of a book!!!

I have read every book Erik Larson has written. I have waited with baited breath for every upcoming book from Erik Larson. I have reread every book Erik Larson has written including this one and will again.

There really isn't much more one can say about Erik Larson. EXCEPT, I have read too many to count books on Churchill and was skeptical this political giant, could appear anew, with precision from Larson we are accustomed to yet it is a marvel! I am speechless.

I truly could not stop listening and restarted the book the moment it had completed. When I read a book from Erik Larson my life is forever enriched. Gallop with your fingers to the audible app and download this book.

Experience the richness of history in a way that only Larson can deliver, on Churchill, who we all know. A life viewed from every angle is still a surprise.

The Best of Churchill

This book reads like a novel about one of the greatest men on earth. Winston Churchill was an entertaining character during a time when men were men. He was fearless and determined and somehow managed everything with a sense of humor. I have read many books about him - this was one of the best. Highly recommend.

History presented well

While it reads like a well written and well performed novel, it is history that is interesting and entertaining. Real people with strengths and flaws performing at a time of international crisis. Examples of leadership and politics with lessons for present day.

My favorite Larson book yet

I’ve enjoyed all of Erik Larson’s books and this is his best. I couldn’t put it down.

Excellent!!!

A superb telling of Churchill’s story for a smaller period of time and in a shorter version that still manages to shed an appropriate amount of light on the man during a particularly difficult time in history. Narration was very well done. John Lee’s Churchill voice was very good without being over the top. It brought a good deal of veritas to the production.

Marvelous- even for those who think they know Churchill, FDR and Battle of Britain

Superbly written, interesting story, and a great listen. I can’t imagine why anyone would be unhappy with this selection.

Fascinating

A fascinating book for those who were never history majors and love a great story, especially when it’s true! I could do with less of the voice impressions of various characters by the narrator, but still good listening.

What an inspiring story!

Where is the wisdom of Sir Winston when we need him? In these pages of the true tale of darkness , overcome by light. Not an easy way, mind you, never easy. Inspiring read.