Five Days in London

May 1940

By: John Lukacs

Narrated by: Aelred Rosser

In May 1940, the course of history hung in the balance for five long days while Churchill’s War Cabinet debated whether to negotiate with Hitler or continue opposition. In this compelling narrative, scholar and renowned author John Lukacs draws on memoirs and papers to convey the drama of those troubled times. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, regarded by many to be hotheaded, has only been in office for a fortnight when a quarter of a million British solders become trapped by the Germans at Dunkirk. With the public illinformed and the Cabinet divided on what action to take, Churchill fights an uphill battle to gain both political and popular support. As the events unfold hour by hour, Churchill struggles to rally the citizenry and persuade the politicians to stand fast. John Lukacs’ literary style and Aelred Rosser’s compelling interpretation transport you to London to listen in on the high level talks at 10 Downing Street and observe the mood of the people in the street.

©1999 John Lukacs (P)2000 Recorded Books, LLC

A shorter version of Lukac's Duel book

This history is a shortened version of the author's "The Duel: The 80-Day Struggle Between Churchill and Hitler," with a fair bit of repetition from that work, and from Churchill's own account of the early days of the war. The five days referred to are the days before the rescue of British troops from Dunkirk.

Wonderful for serious history buffs

I have got I guess a little past wanting to know the broad facts of history. If you like Antony Beevor or Max Hastings then you will likely enjoy this book. Wonderful.

Recommended

I read this book some years & then gave to my beloved father to read. Like I he enjoyed & was surprised how close we came to defeat.