Jam-packed account of the moment in 1940 when Britain stood alone against the Nazi menace. Howard Zinn MILITARY | Remember the obligatory scene of the dashing young pilots lounging around the officers' club? Historian James Holland disputes that The Battle of Britain: Five Months That Changed History. The end of the war in Europe, Victory in Europe (UKTV History, May 2005) Battle of Britain… Without question, the successes that Holland so admirally talks about played a critical role in stopping Hitler's attempt to invade the United Kingdom. All Rights Reserved. That the whole Europe capitulated or was against them. If Britain… Never before have I read such a detailed, gripping, and in my opinion revolutionary book on the Battle of Britain. Now he has the … From the outset, he is clear that the battle began long before then: "it was with the launch of the western campaign that Britain began to face the worst crisis in her history, while for Germany 10 May 1940 marked, inextricably, her crossing of the Rubicon. In the summer of 1940, Britain defied Hitler's Nazi Germany in a crucial battle that became a critical turning point in the entire war. Although the book occasionally gets a little lost in descriptions of specific engagements, the arc of the narrative remains clear. I would say 3.5 if I could. Tom Clavin, by Holland gives a much more detailed and in depth account of the battle from both sides of the battle, starting in May with Germany's attack on France and the Low Countries, and through the decision to postpone (and ultimately cancel) Germany's planned invasion of England. Reminders are rare. This audio edition includes an exclusive Q&A between James Holland and Al Murray. I have previously read several book on the battle, as well as every documentary/film/podcast going, and they seem to always reiterate the same talking points and narrative. There were also some character sketches of various American, Br. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. The author always write how Britain was alone when France, Belgium and Netherlands capitulated. Excellent use as well of maps and photographs, which unfortunately many authors seem to skimp on in works of this caliber. 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. I have previously read several book on the battle, as well as every documentary/film/podcast going, and they seem to always reiterate the same talking points and narrative. So it took a while to get to the part I was anticipating, the air war. From the German perspective he goes on to explain the roles of the U boats and S boats and the workings of the German High Command. Explodes multiple myths about respective strength of forces and offers a incisive account of Germany’s lack of preparedness for an air war. “nor ground control was something of a step back for them. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, and most recently, The War in … I will not even bother with repeating the lie that GB broke Enigma code and not a word that Poles did it before ww2 and gave gb/fra the solution when WW2 started. 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. A member of the British Commission for Military History and the Guild of Battlefield Guides, he also regularly contributes reviews … For example, he clearly and briefly describes the personalities of the top brass of the German Army and their varying approaches to the strategy on the eve of the invasion of France, and then delves into how that played out on a day by day commentary as they. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, … the Allies Fight Back 1941-43 by James Holland. Should be required reading for anyone interested in this period in history. Hitler's generals on the Western Front were successful not because of his vision, but in spite of him. Should be required reading for anyone interested in this period in history. James Holland has hit the mark yet again in this excellent overview of the Battle of Britain. ‧ James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. He was right. GENERAL HISTORY | When I found out that there was no way in hell Uncle Sam would trust my eyesight with an expensive aircraft I turned to a life of pushing numbers around on a spreadsheet. He does the same with the Luftwaffe under Goring, and explains the numerous clashes of personalities and strategies that were so frustrating for the rank and file of the pilots and airmen. UNITED STATES | James Holland was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and studied history at Durham University. The French, despite having greater forces than the Germans, “had fallen for Nazi spin-doctoring.” Hemmed in with the British along the Channel coast, the Allied forces were saved from annihilation by a last-minute halt by the Germans, allowing them a miraculous evacuation from Dunkirk. Be the first to ask a question about The Battle of Britain. Other shorter and simpler books are available if you just want to understand and appreciate the 1969 film a bit better, but this one is undeniably my new Bible for the Battle of Britain. Once again a bloody outstanding piece of work by James Holland. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma '44 and, … We’re glad you found a book that interests you. Germany’s invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium and France, the battle of Dunkirk and the subsequent evacuation, Churchill’s becoming prime minister, and some information on U-boat and S-boat warfare are all included, so the title might be misleading depending on what you think the Battle of Britain means. 'If Hitler fails to invade or destroy Britain, he has lost the war,' Churchill said in the summer of 1940.He was right.The Battle of Britain was a crucial turning point in the history of the Second World War. I found myself re-reading chapters and looking up people for whom I had never heard of. This is the best WW2 book ive read. Not just an account of the late summer of 1940 and the air war over Kent, but covers from the invasion of France and the Low Countries through to the autumn of 1940. Jam-packed account of the moment in 1940 when Britain stood alone against the Nazi menace. That isn't my intent and I have to emphasize that I enjoyed reading it. If you have any interest in the Second World War, I highly recommend this book. A groundbreaking new account of the Battle of Britain from … Ive stopped reading at ~60% of the book when the author cry how in summer 1940 after surrendering of France GB is ALONE in fight against germany and that rest of the world is not involved or nazi. Timothy Patrick McCarthy. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Another exhaustively researched history by James Holland. CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | First time that some nazi got experienced in Poland and second time there was some polish unit in Narvik. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry HISTORY, by For one thing, he starts the story before the war even begins by looking at the relative strengths and weakness of the two opposing Air Forces. Had Britain's … GENERAL HISTORY | I read this in about one week, because it was difficult to put down. This book showed me how little I really knew about the Great War as my Grandad called it. After reading this book you ask yourself whether it was really possible for us to have ever lost the Battle of Britain. A groundbreaking new account of the Battle of Britain from acclaimed historian James Holland 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 … POLITICS | Tom Clavin Well … If you're looking for a book which tells the complete story of the Battle of Britain, this isn't the book for you. with James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. When I found out that there was no way in hell Uncle Sam would trust my eyesight with an expensive aircraft I turned to a life of pushing numbers around on a spreadsheet. I read my first account of the Battle of Britain with the "Landmark" series … The fact is that after one of those end-of-the-world college breakups, I actually called a recruiter and tried to sign up for the Air Force. Battle for France in 1940 is shoved like only heroic GB and pathetic France and as bad Benelux were fighting germans. Yes, the air battle was important and a critical part of the battle, but Holland's history focuses on many other elements - the German U-boats and convoy war, the politics, and the impact the battle had on the civilians in both England and Germany. The author is a touch revisionist, in the modern fashion, in noting that the Earps and Clantons weren’t as bloodthirsty as popular culture has made them out to be. Buffs of the Old West will enjoy Clavin’s careful research and vivid writing. I could have used more reminders like "Stan, the AA gun, I would say 3.5 if I could. I can understand and respect their opinion and, in fact, I can't say I disagree but I do have my reservations about the book so I give it my worth the purchase price rating of 3 stars. James Holland demolishes many of these myths by reviewing the battle from an operational standpoint, rather than the usual ‘boots on the ground’ nar. To hear Zinn tell it, all anyone did in America at any time was to oppress or be oppressed; and so he obscures as much as his hated mainstream historical foes do—only in Zinn's case there is that absurd presumption that virtually everything that came to pass was the work of ruling-class planning: this amounts to one great indictment for conspiracy. With its lightning thrust into Belgium, Holland and France in the spring of 1940, the Nazi war machine seemed invincible. Yet, if you are expecting to jump straight into air battles over south-east England you are in for a surprise. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. Instead of negating the one-sided histories he detests, Zinn has merely reversed the image; the distortion remains. Categories: He looked at the war on land in mainland Europe, then in the air and on the sea after that. By broadening his examination and superb study of the campaign, Holland has added gripping intensity to the intensity of the battle. The Battles are well described and have enough detail even for the aviation enthusiast. Was it a turning point in the Second World War? Welcome back. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. James Holland demolishes many of these myths by reviewing the battle from an operational standpoint, rather than the usual ‘boots on the ground’ narrative that is so often covered (although in this case a ‘planes in the sky’ one). Thats all. He also explores the politics of rearmament and just why Britain was unprepared for war in 1939/40. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma ’44 and, … For me, it was at first a mild irritation and then a welcome bonus. GENERAL CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | © Copyright 2021 Kirkus Media LLC. The details of the battle are well presented, and following individuals involved in the battle from both sides of the conflict is engaging and brings the realities and horrors of the war into focus. GENERAL HISTORY | This audio edition includes an exclusive Q&A between James Holland and Al Murray. ( 555 ) $2.99. I usually think of the classic war film from 1969, which has some wonderful shots of the air battle. I wouldn’t recommend this book to the casual reader however, as it requires a lot of background knowledge about the Battles of France and Britain. James Holland pulls together the personal perspectives of the pilots and other main players who took part in this extraordinary event. edited by Explodes multiple myths about respective strength of forces and offers a incisive account of Germany’s lack of preparedness for an air war. Holland, James (2011). Verified Purchase. Zinn starts out by depicting the arrival of Columbus in North America from the standpoint of the Indians (which amounts to their standpoint as constructed from the observations of the Europeans); and, after easily establishing the cultural disharmony that ensued, he goes on to the importation of slaves into the colonies.