Product Description

Through fascinating original interviews with the survivors of the battle on both sides, this book tells how Britain survived the rest of 1940 and inflicted on Hitler his first defeat. In the fierce fighting that took place in the skies over southern England, each pilot knew his chances of surviving were limited.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #474864 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-31
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

About the Author
Matthew Parker gained a first-class degree in English at Oxford University and now works as a writer, editor and book reviewer who specialises in modern history.

Customer Reviews

The human truth behind Blighty's finest hour
I loved this book - the smell of engine oil and the roar of the Fokkers leap from the page. Matthew Parker manages to combine the real experience of those involved in the Battle of Britain with a cool appraisal of all the military and historical forces that met on those fateful days. First hand accounts from pilots and their loved ones give the reader a real visceral sense of the horror, sadness and heroism of war. This book broke my heart, then made it sing with pride.

Desperate Times, honestly portrayed
This book not only describes the battle itself, it tells it through the stories of those involved, not only pilots. It contains a long preamble which describes how Britain retired blodied but not beaten from Dunkirk and the desperate feeling of hopelessness and fear of invasion. Its too easy to forget that we faced overwhelming odds and that our pilots were often outnumbered 7 to 1. If the Nazis had attacked our aircraft factories more effectively they would have defeated us.
A thoroughly honest history, with no punches pulled, or glossiness.

GCSE Background
Daughter is taking GCSE history so I bought this book to help her get a better picture of the times.

Her teacher was delighted and is pleased she is using such good books to prepare from.

I suspect the younger reader needs a bit of additional help though as WWII is a pretty huge subject, the Documentary channels of sky have been brilliant in adding the images to the book.

In summary, excellent book, but the younger reader may need some additional guidance from a knowledgeable adult.