Summary And Study Guide Of The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz: Erik Larson

by Hyper Summary

The Splendid and the A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz is a bestselling 2020 work of narrative nonfiction by Erik Larson recounting Winston Churchill’s first year as prime minister of Great Britain—a year marked by the Blitz, or Nazi bombing of England. Britain’s top naval official, Churchill is chosen prime minister on May 10, 1940 amid widespread discontent with the current leader, Neville Chamberlain. Parliament revolts against Chamberlain because of his policies of appeasement toward Nazi Germany and a failed British military intervention in German-occupied Norway. Forced to resign, Chamberlain recommends Churchill as his successor, and the king gives his blessing.

On Churchill’s first day as prime minister, the Nazis invade Holland and Belgium, portending an anguished war on the continent. Although thrilled to command Britain at such a crucial time, Churchill faces some hard challenges—notably, holding the country together in a time of crisis and persuading US President Franklin Roosevelt to provide aid and bring America into the war as an ally. To help him lead the war effort, Churchill assembles a cabinet of seasoned statesman, including Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Halifax, to handle every phase of the war from aircraft production to diplomacy.

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2020