The splendid and the vile
a saga of Churchill, family, and defiance during the blitz
by Erik Larson · first published 2020
57% recommend43% neutral
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The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson. This is a factual account of 1940 and 1941 England, told as a day by day or month by month narrative describing Churchill and his close circle as the Germans ramped up their bombing campaign.…
on “Ask HN: What was a book that changed your life?” ↗I've been a huge fan of Erik Larson's book because he writes non-fiction in a very exciting ways where it doesn't feel like filler. The Splendid & the Vile was the most enjoyable book of his imo.
on “I don't read web articles anymore, but I read books” ↗The Splendid and the Vile
on “Ask HN: Books about people who persevered when no one else believed in them?” ↗_The Splendid and The Vile._ My sister recommended it, and it was great on audiobook. I found the stories about Beaverbrook especially interesting. I found the insight fascinating into what Churchill was thinking during the war,…
on “Ask HN: Which book are you reading, since when?” ↗The Splendid and the Vile. My favorite non fiction book of 2020.
on “Ask HN: What is the best book you read in 2020?” ↗"The Splendid and the Vile" by Erik Larson
on “Ask HN: What Are You Reading?” ↗I can think of parts of books that do this. The Splendid and The Vile goes on a 1-2 chapter tangent about the very interesting use of radar during WW2 for targeting London and the many counter measures developed by the British. It seems that there must be great books out…
on “Ask HN: Is there a book about how a technological advantage wins wars?” ↗I think I’ll add that to my list! I am currently reading (well, I ended up trying out Audible so listening now) to The Splendid and the Vile which is another WW2 book that’s quite fascinating. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0008274983/ref=tmm_pap_swat...
on “Ask HN: Any interesting books you have read lately?” ↗