The Battle of Britain Audiobook By James Holland cover art

The Battle of Britain

Five Months That Changed History; May-October 1940

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The Battle of Britain

By: James Holland
Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
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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 Air Forces Armed Forces Europe Germany Great Britain Military Wars & Conflicts World War II England War Royalty Winston Churchill Imperialism Royal Navy Submarine

Critic reviews

"This massive volume is informative, enthralling, and moving - often all three at once.... Genuinely brilliant." ( Booklist)
Comprehensive Historical Account • Personal Combat Narratives • Pleasant Voice • Detailed Tactical Analysis • Clear Diction
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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.

Well written account by Holland

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I loved the script but the narrator besides not pronouncing the German properly, he punched words loud, soft and breathy alternating continuously and ending every word of every single sentence soft and breathy and therefore incomprehensible.

Narrator needs work

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This book is a fantastic collection of individuals and their stories that were involved in the battle of Britain. Holland does a wonderful job of compiling the stories of so many into one great work. The narrator also does a great job, he is very clear and distinct in his pronunciations. This is a must read/listen for anybody that has an interest in WWII history.

Compelling History

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

Very good accounting

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

Brilliant history masterfully delivered

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

Fantastic Read!

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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.

Informative

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I had read one of the reviews and almost turned me off from getting the book.
But I have always found the author's others books informing and beside the Battle for Britain fascinating. So I went forward.

I found the book unbelievably through.
I really enjoyed learning the build up to the battle and all of the steps leaning to the famous period of time.
I still cant understand how that negative review was written. OBVIOUSLY, that person just wasnt interested in history.
I felt this book is a must to read as much as, The Guns of August.
Spacestationark

Good History

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Before this listen I considered myself familiar and knowledgeable on the subject of the summer of 1940 and thought the story of the Battle of Britain mostly focused on The Few. Was I wrong. This is a comprehensive study of all aspects contributing to and leading up to the Battle FOR Britain. What I found incredibly interesting was the especially fair (not undeservedly) treatment of Chamberalin's contributions both as PM and as a trusted adviser to Churchill. This is an example of the depth and consideration you can expect from this audio book. Lot's of personal accounts and just enough action to keep it all tied together and interesting. This is history presented in context. Five stars.

I Thought That I Already Knew The Story

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It is easy to look back at history with hindsight.But Imagine if you and everybody you knew as well as the leaders of your country expected to shortly be invaded by a country that by far outnumbered your country in both men and equipment. Would you want to fight or reach an agreement that, while it might prevent war, would make you subject to that country ??
Well as you know the Brits decided to fight. This book gives you both the story and the story behind the story from France to the turning point.....what happened ,How it happened,what the Brits did and how they did it.
It is full of facts that I didn't know or only knew in the most general of terms. For example I vaguely remember that Joe Kennedy,father of JFK,Bobby and Ted was the American Ambassador to Britain.
I didn't know he continually reported to Roosevelt that Britain had no chance to survive and it was best for the U.S. to stay out of it.
Well the Brits fought on by themselves ,and if you like WW II History you will find The Battle Of Britain both fascinating and informative, a great History lesson and an inspiring story.

Britain's finest hour,what you may not Know.

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