With Wings Like Eagles

The Battle of Britain in late summer of 1940 is one of modern history's great stories, one of a handful of times in history when the fate of nations and whole peoples rested on the actions and decisions of a few. Korda's background history of the politicians, military personnel, and technology that shaped and decided the battle takes up the first parts of this production; those interested only in the action alone can pick it up later. John Lee's steady, unforced, thoroughly British delivery (he can roll three syllables out of "Rudyard") keeps up the pace and holds one's interest throughout. All key players get their due in this excellent production, and Lee is especially persuasive in conveying (and keeping on track) Korda's detailed and personalized judgments of people, machinery, and events. D.A.W. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine