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  • Britain's War

  • Volume 1, Into Battle, 1937-1941
  • By: Daniel Todman
  • Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
  • Length: 35 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (225 ratings)
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Britain's War cover art

Britain's War

By: Daniel Todman
Narrated by: Ric Jerrom
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Summary

The most terrible emergency in Britain's history, the Second World War, required an unprecedented national effort. An exhausted country had to fight an unexpectedly long war and found itself much diminished amongst the victors.

The outcome of the war was nonetheless a triumph, not least for a political system that proved well adapted to the demands of a total conflict and for a population who had to make many sacrifices but who were spared most of the horrors experienced in the rest of Europe.

Britain's War is a narrative of these epic events, an analysis of the myriad factors that shaped military success and failure, and an explanation of what the war tells us about the history of modern Britain. As compelling on the major military events as he is on the experience of ordinary people living through exceptional times, Todman suffuses his extraordinary book with a vivid sense of a struggle which left nobody unchanged - and explores why, despite terror, separation and deprivation, Britons were overwhelmingly willing to pay the price of victory.

This audiobook begins with the coronation of George VI and ends with the disasters in the Far East in December 1941. A second audiobook will tell the story from 1942 to Indian independence in 1947.

©2016 Daniel Todman (P)2016 Audible, Ltd

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What listeners say about Britain's War

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dreadful Narration

The subject matter and scope of this volume is fascinating. However the narration is appalling. A rather 'sing song' voice, combined with an unerring ability to emphasise words seemingly chosen at random, makes this a difficult listen. Such a shame and a disappointment.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Political & Social History

Gives you the necessary military context and timeline, but really shines on the worldwide and domestic political machinations. Excellent on the social and economic aspects of the conflict. Good use of contemporary comments from all social strata without becoming a unfocused quote fest.
Clear narration but a bit monotonous in inflection, leavened with a few am dram surprised/quizzical cadences.
Looking forward to part two. Wonder who wins? Ahem.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

I will not buy volume 2.

This book is 95% political 4% statistical and 1% military. Whilst modern wars are products of politics and as a democracy Britain had to have a robust and open political system behind the conflict the book does not achieve what it says it intends to in the introduction and lacks the balance of a book that holds the reader.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing detail.

The detail of this book is amazing, and I have just purchased volume 2. I would have liked more military information though, as it goes into politics a little too much for me.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • EJ
  • 02-05-20

Excellent Narration

Thoroughly enjoying listening to this book and I will then move on to Part 2. Both long books but superb to have during the lockdown as time passes so quickly whilst I am listening. Ric Jerrom is perfect as the narrator.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A first class read

What made the experience of listening to Britain's War the most enjoyable?

The amount of detail and back ground offered so much

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clear discriptions of All participants

What about Ric Jerrom’s performance did you like?

Clear delivery

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Had a clear style

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Really not sure

I confess I’ve not finished this yet but needed to vent a little.

I’m not sure where this goes or the conclusions the author reaches. After 14 chapters I’m none the wiser and whilst I hate to be critical I’m laying most of the blame at the narration. I appreciate Ric Jerrom has worked hard on the voices but the sneering supercilious tone he brings to this work is very off putting and frankly colours the narrative so I’m no longer sure if the sense the author wanted is the one conveyed.

I shall persevere but I doubt I’ll manage volume 2

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Myth busting triumph of a book

Great research provides detailed rationale of the policy and politics of pre war and war time decision making backed up by a wealth of statistical facts Also illuminated and rehabilitated some of the myriad personalities involved , many of whom are often normally ignored or glossed over in favour of the traditional main characters . Great job !

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Quite in depth, well read.

Good details for what was going on behind the scenes in the British government. Plenty of sources referred to and it rolls along a pace, never boring. Very well narrated. It could have been disastrous with the wrong narrator. I'll be re listening as there is so much to take in.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Realistic

What an excellent book. Real Politick. Insightful, truthful and realistic. Russian blood, US money and Britain standing alone when it mattered. Excellent.

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2 people found this helpful