“Engaging and original, rich in anecdote and analysis, this is a terrific work of history.”—Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of American LionThe acclaimed author of Troublesome Young Men reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three key American players in London: Edward R. Murrow, the handsome, … Edward R. Murrow, the handsome, chain-smoking head of CBS News in Europe; Averell Harriman, the hard-driving millionaire who ran FDR’s Lend-Lease program in London; and John Gilbert Winant, the shy, idealistic U.S. ambassador to Britain. Each man formed close ties with Winston Churchill—so much so that all became romantically involved with members of the prime minister’s family. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, Lynne Olson skillfully depicts the dramatic personal journeys of these men who, determined to save Britain from Hitler, helped convince a cautious Franklin Roosevelt and reluctant American public to back the British at a critical time. Deeply human, brilliantly researched, and beautifully written, Citizens of London is a new triumph from an author swiftly becoming one of the finest in her field.
Praise for Citizens of London
“Brilliantly bursting with beautiful prose, Olson flutters our hearts by capturing the essence of the public and private lives of those who faced death, touched the precipice, hung on by their eyelids, and saved the free world from destruction by the forces of evil.”—Bill Gardner, New Hampshire Secretary of State
“If you don’t think there’s any more to learn about the power struggles, rivalries and dramas—both personal and political—about the US-British aliance in the World War II years, this book will change your mind—and keep you turning the pages as well.”—Jeff Greenfield, Senior Political Correspondent, CBS News
“Three fascinating Americans living in London helped cement the World War II alliance between Roosevelt and Churchill. Lynne Olson brings us the wonderful saga of Harriman, Murrow, and Winant. A triumph of research and storytelling, Citizens of London is history on an intimate level.”—Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein
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Citizens of London follows three men in London during WWII: Edward R. Murrow, the American Journalist and head of CBS News in Europe reporting on the war, Averell Harriman the man FDR appointed to run the Lend-Lease program, and Gil Winant, the U.S. Ambassador to Britain. These men lived the war. They were in London from the beginning and saw the destruction and the struggle that the locals faced every day. They all formed bonds with Churchill and played a part in some of the decisions made by him and by FDR. These men may have been “foreigners” living in the heart of the European fight but they were Londoners in their own right.
This book was very well researched and got to the heart of each man. Olson was able to get very personal with each man, showing flaws and all. We also see a bit of a different side of the relationship between FDR and Churchill than is often discussed. These men were often seen as close friends who worked together as allies, but the relationship had its strains. This is well worth the read for anyone that is interested in WWII, particularly from the British point of view.
Beautiful in-depth stories of several people and the citizens who were brave enough during the bombings to stand up for their beliefs, stand up for humanity and raise the awareness needed to save London…
I read all of Lynne Olson books. Anything she writes is excellent
Very good history of world war 2 and the action inEngland and Europe.
This is well written, inspirational nobnfiction. It gives a different perspective on the battle of Britain than I have read before. Fascinating!
footnote. Of the best, eye-opening views of the tardy American entry to WWII.
Great history story, good to learn about these great men.
One of my favorite books.
We should all understand what it is like to sacrifice for the greater good, live in terror and how to keep up hope; this book highlights all of that. We are so spoiled from the atrocities of war, at least on our own soil, that we tend to dismiss that it is still a threat to the world we live in. We have to elect the Leaders…… where are they?
One of the best books I have ever read. This is a non- fiction history of London during WWII and the three Americans who worked tirelessly to aid her citizens. It is hard to put down
Great insight of the personalities and interactions that shaped our entrance into WWII and our presence in England and WWII.
One of my favorite books on the era! While the US resisted entering WWII, three larger-than-life Americans, Edward R Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant used the resources available to them to help save Britain in the early days of the war. Beautifully written and deeply moving.
I was born three months before Pearl Harbor and come from a military family so I was interested in this book. At first I thought maybe I wouldn’t like it but the more I got into the book, I couldn’t put it down. If you like history this is the book for you! It made me embarrassed and angry at the way the United States acted and treated England thanks to FDR. It explained a lot about our government and it’s people. It made the book even more real that I recognized the men in the book. To me this is a must read and I am giving it to my sons and grandsons for Christmas.. This history NEEDS to be taught in schools.
This book brought to life the real-life characters I knew of during WWII. Couldn’t put it down.