#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The author of The Devil in the White City and Dead Wake delivers an intimate chronicle of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz—an inspiring portrait of courage and leadership in a time of unprecedented crisis “One of [Erik Larson’s] best books yet . . . perfectly timed for the moment.”—Time • “A bravura performance by one of America’s greatest … performance by one of America’s greatest storytellers.”—NPR
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • Time • Vogue • NPR • The Washington Post • Chicago Tribune • The Globe & Mail • Fortune • Bloomberg • New York Post • The New York Public Library • Kirkus Reviews • LibraryReads • PopMatters
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 twelve 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 readers 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.
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A year in the life of Winston Churchill and England–the year that won World War II. A fabulous book, beautifully written, and painstakingly researched.
Typical Erik Larson stuff. Good read but way too much info on the family of W.C. I don’t really give a pip about his son daughter or his wife. Although it was informative to know how much of an ass hole his son was. The daughters additions from her diary were non essential and slightly boring. Not really adding the human element I believe Erik was thinking.
Loved this book & loved In the Garden of the Beasts. I’m very interested in the events of WWII.
These are books that are hard to put down!!
In a time when national crisis management is met with puerile 3rd grade insults, incompetence and raging self-aggrandizement, it is refreshing to read how a real war leader managed the levers of power and effectively mustered the resources and will of a nation to defeat a threatening scourge against overwhelming odds. The characters are well rounded and compelling and the story is moving. Erik Larson knows how to tell a story with verve and finesse.
I liked everything about this book which details Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of UK. It is extraordinarily well written and the descriptions of the Blitz of Britain are detailed and emotionally exhausting. The characters included in this wonderful non-fiction book are well developed (and not just Churchill) and and interesting to get to know. For me this book is a 10!
Historical interest
outstanding
Even if you are a student of the period and knowledgeable about the people and events; you will find this an enjoyable and informative read. Larson’s focus is on the characters (especially the Churchill family and the Nazi leadership) in the context of the historic events.
Another fabulous Larson biography!!!! I absolutely love Churchill with all his flaws, and so, was a little hesitant about this story based on the title. Never fear, Larson’s attention to research and then craftsmanship of bringing the research’s story to life, revealed some of the innermost thoughts and decisions early in the War. I remember visiting Westminster Abbey and seeing the plaque to Churchill, knowing how hard and optimistically he fought to save not only the British Isles, but to make Britain the stronghold protecting the Americas, endeared an even greater pride after knowing this aspect of Churchill’s story. Churchill’s encouragement, support, and visits to Reynaud in an effort to get France to fight the Germans added a new and even greater level of respect for Churchill, personally. While the Franco-British Union dissolved in to Vichy France, its failure in no way can rest at Churchill’s feet. Churchill’s optimism, staff choices, and ability to rally and inspire hope into a nation, allowed Britain to survive Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain, and the Blitz. The statistics and losses of lives and property were much greater than I knew them to be. Additionally, the personal life of Churchill and his family as they endured the early war years together made the story extremely personal. Mary’s social engagements during the midst of this was not what I expected, and I enjoyed hearing about how teens were adapting to a way of life the war was bringing. As this was an audiobook for me, the lagniappe in the Epilogue was a grand surprise! I nursed the story for as long as I could, because I really did not want it to end.
Essentially a reading from diaries in Churchill’s WWII bunker over the year of the Blitz. Take some additional to read/learn these characters Very entertaining and very close and personal to Lord Church.
A meticulously researched account of Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister, and how he led his country through the Blitz and strategically courted President Roosevelt, believing the UK would never defy Nazi Germany without the help of the United States. I especially enjoyed personal details about Churchill’s eccentricities: spoiler alert, he preferred pink silk undies and took two baths a day, often dictating to one of his secretaries from the tub. It’s impossible to read this book without being in awe of Churchill’s extraordinary leadership during World War II.
Erik Larson’s work was recommended to me recently by a TV writer I admire. I was told it was absolutely gripping non-fiction written so compellingly that you’re completely drawn into it. It wasn’t oversold. Larson is an outstanding writer. I don’t read much non fiction (I should read more, it’s one of my many failings) so if anyone out there feels that same way I do but is looking for non-fiction that’s flawlessly researched and presented, then here you go. Retelling the tale of Churchill’s early days in power during WWII, you’ll be glad you picked it up. Grabbed me and held on. One of my favourite films is Ice Cold in Alex, and this book took hold of me in the same way.
I couldn’t put this book down. It’s about Churchill and the Battle of Britain, and it was an exciting, compelling read. Highly recommended.
“The Splendid and the Vile” was the story of the first y¬¬ear Winston Spencer Churchill (1874-1965) first days in office, beginning in May 10, 1940 through May 10, 1941, just when Hitler was rising into power and England needed a leader amidst the evil on the rise. I enjoy a non-fiction read and loved seeing the minute details of Churchill’s life as a snapshot of over a year, and what a year it was. As Britain’s leader, he was responsible in gathering allies including Roosevelt to become victors against Hitler.
What is amazing to me reading this book by Larson is that it read like a fiction story. It was amazing how much detailed information was gathered to write this well researched biography. I know of Churchill but did not know Churchill and his children, the people that surrounded him in his administration, nor his idiosyncrasies, habits and quirkiness. He is indeed a very unique historical figure. Despite all that, he was a gentleman that was brilliant, had a huge heart and what the country and the world needed during the time of challenge.
Love Erik Larsen. Non-fiction that reads like fiction.