In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story

by David McCullough

Days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. It was Christmas Eve, 1941. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message that still resonates today. Bestselling author and historian David McCullough relates a compelling story about the spirit of Christmas and the power of light in difficult, dangerous times. Beautifully designed with historic photographs that transport readers to the early days of World War II Includes a DVD of David McCullough s presentation of this story at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir s 2009 Christmas concert, to be featured nationally on PBS

Genres: Christmas, History, Nonfiction, World War II, American History, Historical, Holiday

56 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2010

About the author

David McCullough was a Yale-educated, two-time recipient of both the Pulitzer Prize (Truman; John Adams) and the National Book Award (The Path Between the Seas; Mornings on Horseback). His many other highly-acclaimed works of historical non-fiction include The Greater Journey, 1776, Brave Companions, The Great Bridge, The Wright Brothers, and The Johnstown Flood. He was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, the National Humanities Medal, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in addition to many other awards and honors. Mr. McCullough lived in Boston, Mass.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t understand what purpose this book is trying to serve. It tells briefly of the Christmas 1941 meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill and the speeches each gave on Christmas Eve. It also shares the stories behind 2 Christmas songs and attempts to connect those songs to a line from each speech.

The text is sparse, without much detail, and I didn’t find the story to be cohesive. The connection seems contrived; there needed to be more historical context and more of the message of hope. Many of the pictures didn’t add to the text and in the end just felt like filler. I did not watch the accompanying DVD. I did appreciate that both Roosevelt’s and Churchill’s speeches are included at the end of the book. If either of these topics interests you, you’ll have better luck googling the information than trying to learn anything from this cursory and disjointed effort.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time, in a world before many of us likely took our first breath, on this Christmas Eve that David McCullough writes of in this book, Pearl Harbor had recently been attacked, earlier that month, following years of other unspeakable horrors. Most of the world was emotionally raw, devastated, and while the world was dark, two leaders, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, came together to offer hope to the world.

”On Christmas Eve, from a balcony at the White House, the two leaders spoke to a crowd of 20,000 gathered to the twilight. As reported in the Washington Post, ‘A crescent moon hung overhead. To the southward loomed the Washington Monument…as the sun dipped…behind the Virginia Hills.’

”How can we light our trees? How can we give our gifts? How can we meet and worship with love and with uplifted spirit and heart in a world at war, a world of fighting and suffering and death?”

There’s a lot of that specifically pertains to WWII, but there is a significant amount that is still relevant to us today, The message of holding on to the light in ourselves, protecting it, in order to overcome the darkness in the world. Both FDR and Churchill’s addresses are included.

Technically, there’s not “a lot” of pages to this book, I believe it’s only 40 pages, but my copy is on my kindle, so I’ll just say that it’s a relatively quick read.

There’s a bit of history of some Christmas songs, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” which I also enjoyed.

Overall, this is less of a “book” than it is a lovely Christmas letter, but that doesn’t mean it has less merit, it is worth reading for what it is, I mention it because the name David McCullough is usually associated with weightier tomes.

If you were to buy the hardcover, I believe it comes with a DVD, where you can watch David McCullough deliver this story with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir lending song when appropriate. Of course, that is not entirely necessary to own this since it’s available on YouTube through the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATkPm...

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2009, the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir invited respected historian and author David McCullough to be a guest artist at the choir's annual Christmas concert.

McCullough inspired the audience with his narration of the history behind the Christmas carols Oh Little Town of Bethlehem and I’ll Be Home for Christmas. These two carols lent comfort and meaning to people during the World War II years.

This little, yet inspiring book includes many photos taken during the Christmas season of 1941 when President Franklin Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill spoke to a crowd of people from the balcony of the White House on Christmas Eve. The text of their speeches as well as McCullough’s history behind the writing of the carols is moving.

The book also includes a DVD of the performance which adds greatly to the appreciation of the book.

[Jana at ThatArtsyReaderGirl.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert where David McCullough told us this story, so naturally... the book does not live up to my expectations. When he told it, he was surrounded by beautiful scenery, under very nice mood lighting, and was backed by the amazing musical score composed by Mack Wilberg. I was captivated. Was I captivated by this book? Not as much. The text itself took me about 10 minutes to read, and all of the imagery interspersed throughout the story created a disconnect and I found myself forgetting where I was. The pictures were wonderfully heartwarming, though, so I'm glad they were there. I also love the story itself. I've heard it told many times in many different ways, and it is a truly inspiring story. As I was reading the addresses by both Roosevelt and Churchill, I was amazed that they each spoke with such spirituality and faith to the American public. I am sure that would not happen today, which is very sad to me.

Bottom line, this is not a book that will give you an in-depth account of the 1941 Christmas Eve in America. It was a nice, quick read and full of Christmas spirit. It was an appropriate Christmas Eve read, and it will be a fun one to pull out and share with the family every Christmas Eve for years to come. :)

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a waste of time. For $20.00 you get a book that stretches his small presentation into 52 pages. There are 22 pages of pictures, 2 pages each of credits and dividers, a 3 page forward written by someone else, and 6 pages of copies of Franklin Roosevelt's and Winston Churchill's actual speeches. The 17 pages of David McCullough's text contain 37 sentences. The book jacket says he will give the history of 2 Christmas caroles. We get 8 sentences of one and 5 sentences of the other. Not much information here. You also get a very short DVD of his actual presentation. That was the best thing in the deal, but not worth $20.00.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I'm not even sure how this book first ended up on my to-be-read list (seeing it around Goodreads somewhere would be my first guess), but gracious, I'm so glad I read it.

An inspiring, non-fiction account of the first Christmas of WWII—mere weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The hope-filled speeches and stories behind popular songs are powerful and will draw tears even to the eyes of the least patriotic reader.

Five Christmas carols out of five!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella by David McCullough during Christmas of WWII. He tells of the comfort ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem and I’ll Be Home for Christmas brought many people. the Christmas speeches of Roosevelt and Churchill are included. It’s short, but touching.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a fan of David McCullogh’s historical books and think Winston Churchill is one of the greatest leaders in the 20th century, so when I saw this short book by McCullough about Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt I bought it. I was expecting a typical well written story by McCullough about Christmas in 1941. Sadly, all I can say about this book is I am disappointed. This is not what I expected from a David McCullough book.

This short book is about the 1941 Christmas meeting between ally leaders, Prime Minister of Great Britain Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt during WWII. It tells briefly of the visit by Churchill to the White House and speeches they both gave trying to provide hope during the Christmas season. Also, the story attempted to intertwine the story behind two classic Christmas songs, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” into story of Christmas 1941.

I disliked that the book had too many pictures, which mostly had little or no relationship to the story, and not enough detail about this crucial time in world history. The book only had a few pages of text without the necessary detail and insight to really make the story come to life.

The attempt to tie two classic Christmas songs, “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” into story of Churchill, Roosevelt and Christmas 1941, but was not successful. The story behind the creation of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was of some interest to the timeframe of the story.

I would not recommend this book. It is too short on details of the relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt, World War II, and Christmas in 1941. I seldom give a book a two star rating but this book deserves such a rating for complete failure in meeting any of my expectations for it.

[GG Stewart’s Bookhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for History lovers.

A short heartwarming story of what Christmas meant during WWII, of what Christmas means during one of the most difficult times in world history and of the hope that comes with faith, love, and family.

Note: If you purchase this as an ebook it does not include the pictures. Disappointing. I found out from a review that a narrative from the author is available on YouTube and the pictures are shown.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ATkPmMW...

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short little book starts out:

"Music is a part of our history. It is an expression of who we are and the times we’ve known, our highs, our lows, and so much that we love. Take away American music from the American story and you take away a good part of the soul of the story."

The author would like to tell the story of two classic American Christmas carols–two of his favorites–that both figured in one of the darkest times ever, during the Second World War. These carols are "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "I'll be home for Christmas". Heart-warming stories both.

Also included are the Christmas Eve Address of FDR on Dec 24, 1941. Churchill is in America too and provides his own comments to the American people. These addresses are given just 17 days after the Pearl Harbor Bombing. America is now at war and her hurts are fresh.

At 56 words, a very short read. Very worth the time.

5 stars

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

History can be a great source of strength and affirmation, and especially in difficult, dangerous times. And the words and music we love, and that have stood the rest of time, mean still more when we know their story.

This short little book was inspiring to say the least. However, one doesn't need to go out and acquire it like I did. Save your Hoopla and Libby rentals, and don't spend a penny out of your pocketbook. Because you can access the material in this book with three simple clicks that I've included down below.

The book is divided into three parts. First, McCullough's commentary. Second, FDR's Christmas Eve Address. And thirdly, Winston Churchill's Christmas Eve Address. So, just click the links below, and you will have read the book in full.

McCullough's Commentary with the Tabernacle Choir

FDR Addresses the Nation, Christmas Eve 1941

Churchill's Christmas Eve 1941 Address

[Joe Hilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vintage McCullough. Captures the essence of a poignant moment at the beginning of World War Two when the future looked bleak and Western Civilization seemed to hang in the balance. A wonderful book!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, be sure your copy has the DVD! I read the book first and then thoroughly enjoyed watching the short clip afterwords.

If I were to fan girl over an author, it would probably be David McCullough. I've read and enjoyed so many of his books. But I didn't know this one existed until a friend mentioned wanting to read it.

McCullough was asked to do a Christmas presentation with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in 2009. For his subjects, he choose two songs, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (that the choir sings) and how they effected the Christmas of 1941, the Christmas right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the start of World War II for America.

Included are the speeches Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill gave that Christmas Eve. So if you have a history buff in your family, consider this treasure for a stocking stuffer!

Ages: 8+

#christmas #history

**Like my reviews? I also have hundreds of detailed reports that I offer too. These reports give a complete break-down of everything in the book, so you'll know just how clean it is or isn't. I also have Clean Guides (downloadable PDFs) which enable you to clean up your book before reading it! Visit my website: The Book Radar.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book tells of a wartime Christmas meeting between two world leaders. Though the narrative is short, it does contain a message that Christmas is a time of hope and happiness. The author also gives a bit of history on the writing of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” The messages given by Roosevelt and Churchill clearly illustrate the struggle between what is happening, a war, and what the world longs for, peace. The photographs included, now vintage but from that time period, add to the charm of the book.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds us of a year when the world was so dark and how President Roosevelt & Winston Churchill came together to remind us of the power of light over darkness. Two Christmas carols are featured along with how they were written. Lots of photos from the meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill and other Christmas photos from the era.
A quick read.
A book about WWII

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt met at the White House. It was Christmas Eve, 1941. As war raged throughout the world, the two leaders delivered a powerful message that still resonates today. Bestselling author and historian David McCullough relates a compelling story.

REVIEW: In this short little 40 page book, David McCullough, Pulitzer prize winning historical author gives a poignant look at America's Christmas of 1941 shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He ties in the darkness of Pearl Harbor to the musical history of the song "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and reminds us how Christmas still gave Americans the "hopes and dreams" of a good future. He also includes the musical history of "I'll be Home For Christmas" that further bouyed the hopes of America. This little gem concludes with the complete Christmas Eve speeches of FDR and Winston Churchill that spurred both British and American people to continue their fight for their hopes and dreams. A very good look at a moment in history that has not often been written about. So much of what both leaders spoke could well be applied to our day and time.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "The year 1941 has brought upon our nation a war of aggression by powers
dominated by arrogant rulers who selfish purpose is to destroy free institutions. They would thereby take from the freedom-loving people of the earth the hard won liberties gained over many centuries...We are confident inour devotion to country, in our love of freedom, in our inheritance of courage. But our strength, as the strength of all men everywhere, of of greater avail as God upholds us." (FDR Christmas Eve 1941)

"Let the children have their night of fun and laughter. Let the gifts of Father Christmas delight their play. Let us grown-ups share to the full in their unstinted pleasures before we turn again to the stern task and the formidable years that lie before us, resolved that, by our sacrifice and daring, these same children shall not be robbed of their inheritance or denied their right to live in a free and decent world." (Winston Churchill Christmas Eve 1941)

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim little volume (about 35 pages) is just the thing for an American history lover who also wants to feel a bit of the Christmas spirit. The actual text of the book, with some background into a couple of perennial favorite Christmas songs, is actually not the best part in my mind. There are two.

The best #1 is the text of the speeches given by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill during the dark winter Christmas of 1941 as war was breaking out all over the world. They offer a message of hope, and of the indomitable human spirit, that thrills even to this day. I’ve not read much about FDR, but have read a couple of biographical accounts of Winston Churchill, and visited the Churchill museum in London several times. He was a remarkable man, and many of his speeches were masterworks designed to bring hope where and when it seemed darkest. By all accounts, he loved America, and it shows in this speech.

The other best part is the included DVD of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s 2009 Christmas concert, with narration of the story by David McCullough. As usual, the MoTab is awesome, and evokes a tremendous outpouring of Christmas sentiment. They are justly famous, and their Christmas performances are always inspiring, but this one was among their best, in my humble and untalented opinion. I know little about music, but I know what I like, and this was it.

In the Dark Streets Shineth is a little gem of a book, and one that has found a permanent place in my library.

[Taylor Church · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in like 7 minutes. It's full of pictures and large print, but it seemed too perfect to not read it, and finish it right before I go to sleep and await the Christmas morning. It's just a cool story that reiterates the camaraderie and togetherness that the Yuletide should imbue us with. It tells of Winston Churchill coming to America and speaking alongside Roosevelt on the eve of Christmas, 1941. My favorite line was by Churchill when he said, "This is a strange Christmas Eve." He was referring to the tumult and worry of WWII, but for me this year feels strange for its own reasons. My Grandma is sick in the hospital and might not make it. Though the snow keeps falling, and the sweets are abundant, something is amiss. A dark cloud of uncertainty hovers over us. Alas, I'm grateful and happy for the wonderful things and people that are around me.

[Jake Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just a quick review for this one because it only took me twenty minutes to read. It was inspirational and had a nice message for Christmas. I liked the history behind it, but the cohesiveness of the book was nonexistent. I felt like it jumped around too much and it didn't really make sense. It would mention a song and then tell the story about the background of that song and then suddenly we were back to the meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill. I'd say this wasn't his greatest work ever, but it was a nice effort to have some American pride during Christmas season.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am really not sure what the purpose and meaning of this book is. It contains the Christmas eve speeches of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill from 1941, as well as a brief history of the Christmas songs "I'll be home for Christmas" recorded in 1943, and "O little town of Bethlehem" written in 1865. But what all of these things have to do with each other is really not cohesively explained. This is also a very short book and a very quick read. Thankfully I think I only spent $1.00 for it.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars. The joining of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin D. Roosevelt directly after the attack of Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve. These two great world leaders came together to address the the United States with messages of messages of hope during such a difficult and fearful time. I believe their messages ring as clear today as they did back in 1941. The DVD relates this compelling story by David McCullough and is back by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Reading the book was a four star; watching the DVD made it a 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and short, warm and interesting. Any time I learn new history, it's a win for me. This would make a good Christmas eve reading and/or watching. The accompanying DVD runs about 15 minutes, with author David McCullough reading the narration, and just a tiny sampling of the talent of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The DVD has the music that the book can't provide; the book has more pictures than the DVD has time for. A fine collector's item, especially for a lover of all things McCullough.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manifesting Christmas 1941 vibes this year, but with all of the spirit and great speeches and none of the war.

[John Daily · Rating 3 out of 5]

The jacket promises to deliver "a compelling story about the spirit of Christmas and the power of light to shine in difficult, dangerous times" through the story of the real-life meeting between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Christmas Eve, 1941. It also promises to share the stories behind the songs "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and, rightly or wrongly, it is inferred that these will connect in some way. It barely does any of it, and there is no narrative to speak of.

While the book does include a DVD of David McCullough's recitation of the book accompanied by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (which remains unwatched because I bought the book to read it, not watch it), it's not worth the current U.S. price of $18(!). I expected better from McCullough, who is known for incredibly researched biographies rich with detail. In the Dark Streets Shineth is sparse and disappointing.

[Tanya · Rating 2 out of 5]

This "book" is a disingenuous publication which aims to make money off David McCullough's respected name. I was one of many many holds at the library, expecting a sweet historical Christmas story. When I finally got the volume mid-January I found that it was nothing but a handful of large-print pages, a transcript of a short and much-too-simple narration McCullough gave between songs at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert. There are a lot of interesting period photos, and reproductions of Roosevelt's and Churchill's inspiring speeches from Christmas 1941, but no real "Christmas Eve stories." In the front cover is a CD of the concert. The honest way to market this would have been in a jewel case with a little booklet, headlined by MoTab and showing McCullough as a guest. I'm just glad I got it from the library instead of buying a copy.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love David McCullough. He usually makes history leap from the page. This story did not quite capture the moment in time as the US and Great Britain were going into war at the end of 1941 for me. It tried to be a little too sentimental. I loved the photos and the Christmas Eve messages of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill that were also included in this slim volume. I was disappointed to find that the DVD of David McCullough narrating this story with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir was defective and probably is the real reason why I did not like the book as much as I could have. I understand that the DVD is quite good from reading other reviews.

[Peter J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book essentially says "You are always home at Christmas, even if you're not." McCullough conveys this through a few stories but doesn't supply the connection or much thought beyond that these things occurred. I guess I'm supposed to because it's Churchill and because it's Christmas be moved. It was too thin a volume and too sparse (another reviewer breaks it down with exactly how much time is devoted to each topic). I feel this could have been so much more interesting a story than what was eventually delivered (I suspect this may have to do with the form this was originally presented in - but could have been expanded in print).

[Ted Kendall · Rating 1 out of 5]

For $14.95 for a Kindle book, I was expecting something of the caliber of this author's other books. Boy was I disappointed. It was only 5-6 pages of original content, and that not up to the standards of this author at all, and the full text of two speeches. Interesting and nice, yes. Worth the cost of a hardback book--not at all. Wish I could get my money back on this one.

[Joanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a flimsy excuse for a book and could have been summed up in two pages: one for FDR's Christmas speech, and one for Churchill's Christmas speech. It's padded out with 1940s photos and big font and lots of white space and a foreword from the Mormon Tabernacle choir director. Seems like a marketing ploy for history enthusiasts.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was far, far too brief. This was a monumental day in WWII history and U.S.-British relations, and this book added little to the understanding of the event. The pictures are few but great (credit one star), and the text of both President Roosevelt's and Prime Minister Churchill's Christmas Eve messages are included (one more star). That's it.