The Most Dangerous Enemy: A History of the Battle of Britain

Publisher and industry reviews

UK Kirkus review

When World War II began in earnest in 1940, England found itself lamentably ill-equipped to resist invasion: 'At Dover there were three anti-tank guns covering five miles of coast.' And many of Britain's key politicians - among them Rab Butler - wanted to sue for peace as an optimistic alternative to invasion. Then came Winston Churchill's sudden promotion. His inspired and inspiring speeches in the build-up to the decisive air battle he knew must follow are only part of a thrilling prelude in Part I of this definitive account of the Battle of Britain. The hurried training of combatants on both sides and the rapid construction of new aircraft in a desperate bid for superior air power to outrun and outfight the enemy, resulting in the Hurricane and the even more famous Spitfire, are recounted here in a narrative that compares favourably with the most exciting works of combat fiction. Many of the details of the War in the Air are drawn from first-hand accounts by the aircrews and pilots who fought it, often with a self-effacing nonchalance which only serves to underline the incredible bravery of these young men who risked their lives time and time again throughout the summer months of 1940. In this book, the youthful heroes of the Battle of Britain have found a worthy memorial to their great deeds. The book is an outstanding achievement, with intelligent and copious illustration. It is only a pity that the publishers have used a cheeseparingly small typeface to print such an exciting and important work. (Kirkus UK)