Listening to Britain

From May to September 1940, a period that saw some of the most dramatic events in British history - including the evacuation of Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the opening stages of the Blitz - the Ministry of Information eavesdropped on the conversations of ordinary people in all parts of the United Kingdom and compiled secret daily reports on the state of popular morale. "The historical value of this evidence is enormous" -- Noel Malcolm The Sunday Telegraph "Digestible form with valuable contextual notes. There are many fleeting gems" Observer "This invaluable book brings us history in real time. With its echo of voices of civilians... Listening to Britain provides a matchless insight into the contradictory, confused and complex experience of living through Britain's "finest hour" -- Juliet Gardiner Financial Times "[The reports] offer an invaluable and unvarnished insight into thoughts and feelings about events without the benefit of hindsight... I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes reading non-fiction about the war or fiction set at this time" Bookbag.co.uk "Fascinating collection of reports" -- Christoper Hirst Independent.