Battle of Britain

December 6, 2010
This work enhances Holland's (Italy's Sorrow) developing reputation as a writer of popular military history with a solid scholarly dimension. He shifts effortlessly from a cockpit perspective to the planning systems of the Royal Air Force and the Luftwaffe, and the political decisions that determined the pattern of air combat over Britain in the summer and fall of 1940. Holland ascribes Germany's defeat to a comprehensive unpreparedness for war that, in particular, required the Luftwaffe to do too much with too little. The advantage the Messerschmitt Bf 109 possessed over the Spitfire I in a dogfight (easily Holland's most controversial assertion) came nowhere near compensating for "a catalogue of mistakes," ranging from poor intelligence to incompetent handling of the fighter force. The Luftwaffe's defects were highlighted by the RAF's qualities: Holland pays tribute at every turn to the heroism, the spirit, and the endurance of the fighter pilots and affirms the skill of their "inspired and brilliant leaders." But this book appropriately reserves its final praise for the British people and their collective defiance during five crucial months. 16 pages of b&w photos; maps.

November 1, 2015

Gr 7 Up-Two World War II adventures by acclaimed historian Holland. In Battle of Britain, Archie is flying airplanes for the British, protecting his home country against the dangerous Luftwaffe. As bombs drop and the Battle of Britain rages on, the young man must remain stalwart and hope that the British can hold out against the Germans. In Dunkirk, Private Johnny Hawke, at only 16, is about to see his first action in World War II. It is nothing like he ever imagined. The realities of war make him wonder if he will make it out of France alive. Holland's series will be World War II heaven for military history buffs. The stories are well fleshed out, with myriad details that create a sense of immediacy. The danger and even the boredom of war is well explored in these entries. The author combines historical fact with vulnerable characters often forced to remain stoic in the face of atrocity. This series interweaves military action with the day-to-day activities of a combat-ready soldier. The glossary and maps will be much needed for many readers inexperienced with the military vocabulary. The stories are so filled with historical detail that the human connection sometimes disappears. VERDICT This title is perfect for die-hard historical fiction fans who love World War II. However, the slow pace will deter other readers.-Sarah Wethern, Douglas County Library, Alexandria, MN

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