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A London Diary
Date not stated
- GenresNonfictionHistory
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1941
About the author
Quentin Reynolds
94 books16 followersBorn in the Bronx, New York, on April 11, 1902, to a school principal and his wife, Quentin James Reynolds grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Manual Training High School. He enrolled at Brown University and excelled in football, boxing, and swimming. In fact, after earning his Ph.D. he spent a year on a professional football team. Going from job to job, Reynolds couldn't find a career he enjoyed. His father suggested law school, and by the time he earned his degree, Reynolds had finally figured out what he wanted to do.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
Journalism, not law, appealed to Reynolds, and he worked as a reporter and then a sports columnist. In 1933 he was sent as a feature writer to report on Germany and the rise of Hitler. At that time, Reynolds was writing for the International News Service. The Germans didn't approve of Reynolds's slant against the Third Reich and national socialism; however, from the article Reynolds gained employment at Collier's Weekly for whom he eventually penned 384 articles and short stories over a fifteen year span, eventually rising to the position of associate editor. A prolific writer, Reynolds's fame came during an assignment to cover the erupting World War II.
Reynolds spent time in France and then fled to England. While there he came to appreciate and respect the British. In account after account he portrayed the strong will and determination of a nation fighting for its very survival. He penned seven books about the war, broadcasted for the British Broadcasting Company, narrated two film documentaries, and lectured in the United States. Reynolds's popularity soared as people learned of his bravery and the risks he took to get the story.
Unfortunately for Reynolds, not everyone found him admirable. A Hearst columnist disputed his claims and suggested Reynolds was cowardly. After five years in the court system, Reynolds won over $175,000 in the libel judgement. This wasn't his only time he was brought to the public's attention for questionable acts. In 1952 Reynolds had penned a book about a Canadian spy, only to later find out that he had been duped and misled into believing a false tale. The publisher in turn changed the book from nonfiction to fiction.
When Reynolds traveled to Manila, Philippines, to research the president for a biography, he became ill with abdominal cancer. He passed away on March 17, 1965 at the age of sixty-two.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 23, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr. Reynolds diary from September to December of 1940. He presented an interesting point of view as an American journalist in the midst of the Blitz, before the United States had entered the war. Mr. Reynolds wrote about his stories and the pursuit to gather good information for articles, as well as regular happenings like nightly bombings. This book was a great read after having some decent background information from the book Citizens of London.
(on a side note - the book is hardback with a sort of fabric cover and only the name "Quentin Reynolds" written in gold script across the middle)
(on a side note - the book is hardback with a sort of fabric cover and only the name "Quentin Reynolds" written in gold script across the middle)
September 19, 2023
One thing I love about reading older books is that often they were intended to be read immediately, to change the way people thought, and were not aimed at posterity. This is that kind of book, and it works as a kind of time machine for that reason.
Quentin Reynolds, a legendary American journalist, found himself in London during the Blitz 80 years ago. This is his day by day account of what happened. A documentary film made at the same time -- he was the narrator -- was called "London Can Take It". And that pretty much sums up Reynolds' view.
His descriptions of how Londoners -- and other British people -- coped under the most difficult circumstances are memorable. His portraits of his fellow journalists (who seemed to spend most of their time in bars and restaurants) are unforgettable. The case he makes for America to do more to support Britain is unanswerable.
The one lapse in the book -- and I found this odd -- is his characterisation of U.S. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy, father of the future President John F. Kennedy. Joe was a notorious isolationist, and an opponent of America's entry into the war, but Reynolds writes about him with great sympathy, and says he was very well liked in Britain.
Quentin Reynolds, a legendary American journalist, found himself in London during the Blitz 80 years ago. This is his day by day account of what happened. A documentary film made at the same time -- he was the narrator -- was called "London Can Take It". And that pretty much sums up Reynolds' view.
His descriptions of how Londoners -- and other British people -- coped under the most difficult circumstances are memorable. His portraits of his fellow journalists (who seemed to spend most of their time in bars and restaurants) are unforgettable. The case he makes for America to do more to support Britain is unanswerable.
The one lapse in the book -- and I found this odd -- is his characterisation of U.S. Ambassador Joseph Kennedy, father of the future President John F. Kennedy. Joe was a notorious isolationist, and an opponent of America's entry into the war, but Reynolds writes about him with great sympathy, and says he was very well liked in Britain.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews