**'**The book that made me think, 'yes, this is the way to write history,' was Finest Hour by Phil Craig and Tim Clayton.' - James Holland

In 1940, Europe lay at Hitler's feet. Britain faced its darkest hour - outnumbered and friendless as the German army continued its advance. Defeat or capitulation seemed inevitable.

Taking its readers on a breathtaking journey from open lifeboats in Atlantic gales to the cockpits of burning fighter-planes, and through cities devastated by the Blitz, FINEST HOUR recreates the terror, the tragedy and the triumph of the Battle of Britain.

This powerful account of the events of 1940 is told through the voices, diaries, letters and memoirs of the men and women who lived, loved, fought and died during this terrible yet inspiring year.

Blending original historical research with the experiences of ordinary people in desperate time, FINEST HOUR cuts through the nostalgic haze, and enables readers to experience a time when a nations' darkest hour became its finest.