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The number one New York Times best-selling author of The Devil in the White City and Dead Wake delivers a fresh and compelling portrait of Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz.NAMED ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2020 BY The Washington PostHuffPostThe Seattle TimesLit HubThe WeekPopSugar On Winston Churchills 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 12 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 its also an intimate domestic drama, set against the backdrop of Churchills 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 Londons 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; Pamelas illicit lover, a dashing American emissary; and the advisers in Churchills Secret Circle, to whom he turns in the hardest moments.The Splendid and the Vile takes listeners out of todays political dysfunction and back to a time of true leadership, when, in the face of unrelenting horror, Churchills eloquence, courage, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together.This audiobook includes a recording of Winston Churchill's 1941 Christmas Eve speech.

In the heart of the Second World War, when the fate of Britain hung in the balance, "The Splendid and the Vile" paints a vivid portrait of Winston Churchill's leadership and unwavering determination during the Blitz. With access to previously unseen documents and exclusive interviews, Erik Larson weaves a compelling narrative that thrusts readers into the daily lives of Churchill and his family, revealing the personal toll of war on those at the helm. From the strategic decisions made in the Cabinet War Rooms to the resilience and defiance displayed by ordinary citizens, this book captures the drama, uncertainty, and heroism that marked this pivotal moment in history.

Erik Larson's meticulous research and storytelling prowess shine through as he delves into the intricate political maneuvers, air raids, and personal struggles that shaped Churchill's wartime leadership. The result is a captivating and immersive account that transports readers back in time, allowing them to experience the Blitz through the eyes of those who lived it. From the harrowing nights spent in underground shelters to the inspiring speeches that rallied a nation, "The Splendid and the Vile" offers a nuanced and unforgettable exploration of courage, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the human will.

More than just a historical account, this book provides valuable insights into the nature of leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the complexities of human nature in times of crisis. Larson skillfully weaves together the personal and the political, highlighting the interplay between Churchill's private life and his public persona. Through intimate glimpses into Churchill's family dynamics, readers gain a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by those closest to him as they navigated the trials and tribulations of war.

As the pages turn, readers will find themselves immersed in the sights, sounds, and emotions of wartime Britain. Larson's evocative prose brings to life the relentless air raids, the camaraderie among ordinary citizens, and the unyielding resolve that characterized this extraordinary period. Through his masterful storytelling, Larson pays tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, reminding us of the power of unity and the enduring legacy of those who stood firm in the face of adversity.