james holland battle of britain review

The Battle of Britain section only starts very late in the … 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. Explodes multiple myths about respective strength of forces and offers a incisive account of Germany’s lack of preparedness for an air war. & The history includes multiple individual pilot accounts on both sides, many photographs, maps, and diagrams. Furthermore, having reached France,”, Readers' Most Anticipated Books of February. ", A very good book that offers a cogent explanation of the May, 1940, ground campaign and Dunkirk thru the lens of the RAF. Was it a turning point in the Second World War? This is a fine book, well written, interesting and thought provoking. “It is never a good sign for law-abiding citizens,” he writes at one high point, “to see Johnny Ringo rush into town, both him and his horse all in a lather.” Indeed not, even if Ringo wound up killing himself and law-abiding Tombstone faded into obscurity when the silver played out. Duty Calls: Dunkirk. I won’t go into any spoilers, because I believe that you should absolutely read the book for yourself, but it makes clear the myth of Blitzkrieg was just that, a myth. I read this in about one week, because it was difficult to put down. Perhaps a bit dense for the casual reader, but thoroughly enjoyable. Tom Clavin. He also explores the politics of rearmament and just why Britain was unprepared for war in 1939/40. & This book showed me how little I really knew about the Great War as my Grandad called it. For me, it was at first a mild irritation and then a welcome bonus. CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | He details the role played by The Observer Corp, Bomber Command, the RN, the Home Guard, Radar and AA defence. The first 2/3 of the book is about the fall of France and the evacuation from Dunkirk, with a few diversions thrown in about U-boats for good measure. Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2020. This book covers The Battle of Britain in great detail, spending time on key players, the beginning of war, life under the Nazi government, background on Hitler, Goering, and Goebbels, and background on Churchill. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. GENERAL CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | Mr. Holland tells a more complete story than your standard Battle of Britain history. provides a thorough reconsideration of the Battle of Britain … Still, happy to have read it, though anyone wanting more in-depth information would want to read, say, THE MOST DANGEROUS ENEMY by Stephen Bungay. For Howard Zinn, long-time civil rights and anti-war activist, history and ideology have a lot in common. A painstakingly detailed history of the battle that exposed the myth of Nazi invincibility. The author took the long view of what the Battle of Britain was, rather than just the aerial war over Britain in the summer of 1940, he essentially started with the German invasion of France in May. What he has written is not your usual Battle of Britain narrative. Thanks to delays caused by bad weather and Nazi dithering, the British were gaining strength and producing new aircraft at startling speed, so that by July they were ready for the Luftwaffe’s onslaught. This is a decent, accessible, popular history of the Battle of Britain. The Battle of Britain … This audio edition includes an exclusive Q&A between James Holland and Al Murray. Was it a turning point in the Second World War? Rootin’-tootin’ history of the dry-gulchers, horn-swogglers, and outright killers who populated the Wild West’s wildest city in the late 19th century. by Bantam. Explodes multiple myths about respective strength of forces and offers a incisive account of Germany’s lack of preparedness for an air war. Reminders are rare. The end was quite heartbreaking, with him reporting what happened to all the people he had focused on the ground during these 5 months of struggle. That the whole Europe capitulated or was against them. Battle for France in 1940 is shoved like only heroic GB and pathetic France and as bad Benelux were fighting germans. 'If Hitler fails to invade or destroy Britain, he has lost the war,' Churchill said in the summer of 1940. 96 reviews. Because I haven't read many books yet about the personal experiences of people serving in the German air force or navy, and none at all during the time of the Battle of Britain, those bits were of particular interest to me. A detailed and balanced history of the Second World War in Western Europe and Britain from May until October 1940. Ray Suarez, by Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. As the French crumbled, the British were largely expected to sue for peace as well, if the prevailing defeatist voices were to be believed. Tom Clavin Not only Holland takes a look into the major aspect of the operations, beginning with the fall of france, then dunkirk and later on the battle of britain itself, but he also goes deep into the personal level, having interviewed tons of german and british soldiers, pilots, civilians and etc. This audio edition includes an exclusive Q&A between James Holland and Al Murray. 6 reviews. James Holland pulls together the personal perspectives of the pilots and other main players who took part in this extraordinary event. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. Anti Polish propaganda full of lies. James Holland's excellent history is made more compelling by the personal stories he has collected and the very human portraits of the men who fought on both sides of this epic battle. Tom Clavin, by First time that some nazi got experienced in Poland and second time there was some polish unit in Narvik. He was right. The Battles are well described and have enough detail even for the aviation enthusiast. (M. As someone who spent preschool mostly playing "jet" with arms outstretched and running around in circles chasing imaginary MiGs, I can't imagine a cooler gig than being a fighter pilot. 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. Many think that the "Battle of Britain" during World War II consisted only of the air battle over the island nation as the German air force attempted to neutralize that of the British to facilitate a German invasion of the country. Historian James Holland disputes that The Battle of Britain: Five Months That Changed History. Outstanding as always, and I look forward to reading more works by James Holland. What I love about James Holland's book is that he expanded my understanding of what "The Battle of Britain" means. The focus on ordinary individuals was great but it's hard to keep track of who is who, because Holland introduces them once and then you are just expected to remember who they are and what they do by their name thenceforth. A historical re-examination of Britain's Finest Hour and its actual nature. Wednesday 24 July 1940. A groundbreaking new account of the Battle of Britain from acclaimed Cambridge historian James Holland The Battle of Britain paints a stirring picture of an extraordinary summer when the fate of the … It's time to get in that last stretch of winter reading and prepare our Want to Read shelves for spring. London: Puffin. ", A detailed and balanced history of the Second World War in Western Europe and Britain from May until October 1940. Sigh. James Holland’s The Battle of Britain is the most ambitious and comprehensive, encompassing the period from Germany’s invasion of Belgium and France on May 10 to the close of … Stalin and Goebbels would be proud of james holland. With its lightning thrust into Belgium, Holland and France in the spring of 1940, the Nazi war machine seemed invincible. Despite the incredible detail and data included, the prose is never dull; the author intersperses sufficient personal observations and recollections by pilots and civilians on both sides of the conflict which provides for a broad look at the early years of World War 2. "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few". POLITICS | HISTORICAL & MILITARY | By broadening his examination and superb study of the campaign, Holland has added gripping intensity to the intensi, James Holland's excellent history is made more compelling by the personal stories he has collected and the very human portraits of the men who fought on both sides of this epic battle. Categories: Without question, the successes that Holland so admirally talks about played a critical role in stopping Hitler's attempt to invade the United Kingdom. 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. This is a decent, accessible, popular history of the Battle of Britain. HISTORY, by provides a thorough reconsideration of the Battle of Britain that is both staggeringly technical and dramatically engaging. A lesson we should all heed. by When Churchill said, "Never was so much owed by so many to so few," it was a great line not just because of the idea of the debt owed by the comparative many, but also because there literally were not many of them. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma ’44 and, … Corral, and Geronimo and the Apache Wars are all well known. "Battle of Britain," in fact, is a throwback to those phony war movies of the 1940s. Jam-packed account of the moment in 1940 when Britain stood alone against the Nazi menace. I read this in about one week, because it was difficult to put down. Well … In the end, Hitler could not launch an invasion of Britain until the RAF could be destroyed—and the British did not let that happen. 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. With James Holland, Peter Caddick-Adams, Hilda Muller, Steve Prince. For someone who is generally interested in history (like me) it's a very enjoyable read. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. A member of the British Commission for Military History and the Guild of Battlefield Guides, he also regularly contributes reviews … Enjoyed reading both sides of the story. The Battle of Britain … I usually think of the classic war film from 1969, which has some wonderful shots of the air battle. 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. If you think about the Battle of Britain most people may recall the air battle fought between the RAF and the Luftwaffe during the summer of 1940. Pilot Officer Archie Jackson, 19, is in control of the RAF’s newest fighter aircraft, a Supermarine Spitfire. I don’t th. I could have used more reminders like "Stan, the AA gunner. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Thats all. 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 … Add the laborers and indentured servants that followed, plus women and later immigrants, and you have Zinn's amorphous constituency. Verified Purchase. Reminders are rare. James Holland pulls together the personal perspectives of the pilots and other main players who took part in this extraordinary event. the Allies Fight Back 1941-43 by James Holland. It's amazing, given how much has been written about the Battle of Britain, and how it's become so legendary in British history, how small the number of those guys there actually was. Now he has the … Had Britain's defences collapsed, Hitler would have dominated all of Europe and been able to turn his full attention east to the Soviet Union. If you're looking for a book which tells the complete story of the Battle of Britain, this isn't the book for you. If you have any interest in the Second World War, I highly recommend this book. Howard Zinn James Holland 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. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. 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. After reading this book you ask yourself whether it was really possible for us to have ever lost the Battle of Britain. Welcome back. Yet, if you are expecting to jump straight into air battles over south-east England you are in for a surprise. London: Puffin. The Wehrmacht was not the invincible force that is often portrayed, but secured their victory through a combination of luck and bluff. I was never bored in 700 pages because the author writes engagingly, conveying the drama of the moment, without getting bogged down in data like some military histories do. Categories: The author always write how Britain was alone when France, Belgium and Netherlands capitulated. James Holland has hit the mark yet again in this excellent overview of the Battle of Britain. British historian Holland (Italy’s Sorrow: A Year of War, 1944–45, 2007, etc.) Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry UNITED STATES | 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. A short (shorter than the Wikipedia article on the subject, in all likelihood) but good overview of the Battle of Britain by James Holland, who has also written a well-regarded 600+ page book on the subject. Hitler's generals on the Western Front were successful not because of his vision, but in spite of him. Once again a bloody outstanding piece of work by James Holland. Excellent use as well of maps and photographs, which unfortunately many authors seem to skimp on in works of this caliber. 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. James Holland is an internationally acclaimed and award-winning historian, writer, and broadcaster. James Holland mixes an overall account of the battle with personal stories from people who actually experienced it, from both sides. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). The end of the war in Europe, Victory in Europe (UKTV History, May 2005) Battle of Britain… What I love about James Holland's book is that he expanded my understanding of what "The Battle of Britain" means. The book covers the fighting in France, the retreat back to Dunkirk and then the German operations against England in preparation for 'Sealion', the invasion of Britain. WORLD | It is hard now to imagine how isolated and vulnerable Britain had grown at the increasing demonstrations of German aggression. And he weaves the whole tale in a coherent chronology from the points of view of a group of individual pilots and civilians, taking you right into the action, day by day, but writes so well that the entire book holds together seamlessly, and is hard to stop reading. 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. Never before have I read such a detailed, gripping, and in my opinion revolutionary book on the Battle of Britain. The stories are riveting and engrossing. 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). This is the best WW2 book ive read. The author took the long view of what the Battle of Britain was, rather than just the aerial war ov. I don’t think you can read this quickly, but what’s the rush? 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. Despite surface similarities, this is not a social history, since we get no sense of the fabric of life. British historian Holland (Italy’s Sorrow: A Year of War, 1944–45, 2007, etc.) We’re glad you found a book that interests you. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, and most recently, The War in … Although the book occasionally gets a little lost in descriptions of specific engagements, the arc of the narrative remains clear. BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | As someone who spent preschool mostly playing "jet" with arms outstretched and running around in circles chasing imaginary MiGs, I can't imagine a cooler gig than being a fighter pilot. He adds further detail (than I had not run accros in previous reading) of the build-up of Britain’s strategic air defense and political clashes there as well. RELEASE DATE: April 21, 2020. 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. GENERAL HISTORY | Should be required reading for anyone interested in this period in history. He looked at the war on land in mainland Europe, then in the air and on the sea after that. The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma '44 and, … If you have any interest in the Second World War, I highly recommend this book. The Battle of Britain paints a stirring picture of an extraordinary summer when the fate of the world hung by a thread. Phil Keith I could have used more reminders like "Stan, the AA gun, I would say 3.5 if I could. (Maybe the smart thing was doing ROTC?) GENERAL HISTORY | Trouble signing in? A groundbreaking new account of the Battle of Britain from … ISBN 978-0141332192. Holland, James (2011). To see what your friends thought of this book, The Battle of Britain: Five Months That Changed History, May-October 1940. My GR friends that have read and reviewed this book give it 4 or 5 stars. Refresh and try again. This book offers the reader a very enjoyable account of the five months between May and October 1940 when Germany invaded the Low Countries smashed France and chased the BEF back to England. The Luftwaffe had been build primarily with an eye toward supporting ground forces and was ill-suited to either strategic bombing or interdicting sea lanes. The author always write how Britain was alone when France, Belgium and Netherlands capitulated. If you are looking for a good read on the Battle of Britain, look no further this is it. It was a small enough group that they all seemed to know each other, they all had nicknames by which they were known to each other and to the public at large. 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. James Holland is fast becoming one of my favorites of the new generation of World War II historians. Because I haven't read many books yet about the personal experiences of people serving in the German air force or navy, and none at all during the time of the Battle of Britain, those bits were of particular interest to me. The War in the West: A New History Volume 2, . The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, Burma '44 and, … There was descent, but it also gave food for thought again, how easily people are swayed to an extreme hatred and aggression. Holland sets the myth of Blitzkrieg and the Battle of Britain in its true historical context. The Luftwaffe had been build primarily with an eye toward supporting ground forces and was ill-suited to ei. So what we get here, instead of the usual survey of wars, presidents, and institutions, is a survey of the usual rebellions, strikes, and protest movements. Excellent use as well of maps and photographs, which unfortunately many authors. So it took a while to get to the part I was anticipating, the air war. If you are looking for a good read on the Battle of Britain, look no further this is it. Directed by Aaron Young. The galvanizing role of the new prime minister, Winston Churchill, has been amply documented elsewhere, and Holland underscores the power of his rhetoric in steeling the nation to its defiant task, aided by the press and media. Holland gathers a lot of information that I had not seen before and summarizes it very well. May 13th 2010 James Holland, by The author of a number of best-selling histories including Battle of Britain, Dam Busters, … A very populair history novel about the Battle of Britain. The funny thing about e-readers is you can't tell how long the book is, or how much of it you have left, aside from the percentage listed on the bottom, which just isn't the same as the way the balance of a book changes based on how much you've read versus how much you still have left to read. 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. Without question, the successes that Holland so admirally talks about played a critical role in stopping Hitler's attempt to invade the United Kingdom. Tom Clavin, by The actual Battle of Britain itself takes up less than half the book, but Holland does a great job of setting the table for the battle and showing how it was much more than just the RAF vs the Luftwaffe. (Joe Kennedy is not portrayed kindly, which surprised me not at all.) 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. Howard Zinn I seem to be reading a lot of James Holland this year; this is the 3rd of his books I have read in 2017 and the 2nd book on this topic for the year though it is very different not only to Len Deighton’s … Should be required reading for anyone interested in this period in history. They tended to be wealthy and well-educated, because at the time, those were tended to be the only people who had the time and the disposable income required to learn to fly. I read my first account of the Battle of Britain with the "Landmark" series … It brings in the personal experiences and reflections of a handful of pilots, gunners, and seamen from both the British and German military. Zinn has no doubts about where he stands in this "people's history": "it is a history disrespectful of governments and respectful of people's movements of resistance."

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