Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour

This book tells the story of three Americans who found themselves in London during WW2 and experienced the horror of the Blitz. As a result they bonded with the English people and supported the notion of having the United States come to the aid of its traditional ally. To involve Americans in another European war was not a popular idea with Americans, but the notion took hold as Americans identified with the British in their hour of need. This story serves to illustrate a poorly defined concept, the special relationship. This was a relationship shared by the two countries, which was based on a common language and a common heritage. Although the author does not deal with the special relationship, per se, she comes to grips with the idea in all of its assumptions and ambiguities. The idea of a special relationship arose in 1946 when Winston Churchill introduced the term during a speech given in Fulton Missouri at Westminster College. The primary purpose of the speech was to warn Americans about the Iron Curtain, a term introduced for the first time. It was carefully defined, in an effort to elicit America’s help in dealing with the new Russian agenda. The concept of a special relationship was mentioned in passing. The author indirectly defines the special relationship by describing in detail the elements of the relationship and the manner by which it developed and matured during WW2. The story of the three men is symbolic and descriptive of the special relationship but in the end is incidental to the greater story of British and American cooperation. The story of the special relationship is compelling and is told in an easy and highly readable style. As the author tells the tale, it was an affiliation born, not of filial memories and devotion but of necessity to confront an existential threat from Nazi Germany. The special relationship is not a love story, but a story evoking a dysfunctional family struggling with mixed memories and disparate needs. For us, we can envision the relationship as a seemingly loving family at a Thanksgiving Dinner, who intend to cement prior affection, only to uncover old animosities, arising from prior strife and betrayals. Lynne Olson tells the story by making it character driven, leaving events in background. It is a story centered on 3 personalities, each of whom played a different role in the conflict, but all of whom sought a closer relationship between the United States and Great Britain. John Winant, Edward R. Morrow and Averill Harriman were thrilled with the idea of participating in a great adventure. For each, it was the high point of their lives, encountering danger so as to participate in and to affect history. We connect with the characters and cannot get them out of our minds. John Winant is the distinguished gentleman who in all his decency represents his country in exemplary fashion as ambassador to the court of Saint James. As an aside, the author evokes the memory of the previous ambassador, Joseph Kennedy who favored appeasement, and who thereby positioned himself on the wrong side of history. Edward R. Morrow was the head of CBS News in Europe and stationed in London. The journalist was hard bitten, but became sentimental about the city he learned to love and cherish while under the threatening ordeal of the Blitz. The least sympathetic personality is Averill Harriman, the businessman, the power broker, the cold man who seeks his fame and fortune among the country’s leaders. He is regarded as having limited intelligence and was disliked by Roosevelt. Nonetheless he was appointed to monitor the Lend-Lease program. All made a lasting link with their British counterparts as they shared the dangers of the German Blitz. Almost against our will, we become jealous of these characters, a jealousy born of the fact that we were not there. It is as if we have become Englishmen and recall the shame of those who were safe in bed while Henry V and his band of brothers fought at Agincourt on St. Crispin’s day in 1415. All three men were of great global stature and importance but at the same time were profoundly human. The author tells the story in a manner of knowledgeable intimacies, actually flirting at times with gossip. She tells how each of the characters became intimately involved with members of Churchill’s family, betraying their own wives in the process. Such is the nature of war. Danger becomes an aphrodisiac, difficult to resist. Inhibitions are abandoned and romances flourish. This is true not only of the principle characters but of the common soldiers as well, a phenomenon, sensitively described by the author. Beyond the 3 human personalities, there is a fourth character, about which the others revolve, mature and center their devotion. This is London herself, who all come to love as they are forced to witness her being attacked and ravaged. They watched her struggle for survival. Like any good “character” she changed with the times. She eventually survived and became the center of the world with the rejected and threatened coming to settle on her shores seeking solace and protection. The three human characters come to see their function and goal to save Great Britain by lobbying the United States to come to her aid as an ally against the Germans. Ironically, it is Germany that declares war on the United States and not the other way around. Churchill championed the special relationship, lauding its shared values arising from its common history, language and literature. Roosevelt was less enthused, and was more calculating and cold hearted. He tolerated the relationship as long as it furthered his goals. The special relationship was not black and white but existed in shades of gray where most people live and which most remember. It was intensely personal, but at the same time distant and mistrustful. We recall the tension resulting from the differences in strategy. The United States favored a direct and early invasion of France across the channel, while the English supported a more tentative approach, favoring an invasion of North Africa and Italy. A compromise was sought and both strategies were employed. Although victory was finally achieved, both strategies were clouded by transient failures and catastrophes. Today we recall the victory clearly with the failures relegated to faint recall. The special relationship eventually became frayed at the edges and finally at its core. The basic weakness of the relationship was the difference in vision. The United Sates fought the war to save democracy, identical to the goal sought in the First World War. The British, fought the war to preserve the British Empire. As Churchill explained, he did not become Prime Minister to preside over the dissolution of the Empire. These differences spelled doom for the relationship, as we knew it. The goals for both nations were not met. The special relationship was allowed to go fallow but forever haunted the occupants of 10 Downing Street. The relationship was resurrected at behest of the United States as it requested the cooperation of Great Britain for its misguided venture into Iraq. As a result Tony Blair bore the consequences. The story of the special relationship is a complicated one and is highly nuanced. The downside of special relationships is that one must put on hold one’s own judgment in order to serve and maintain the relationship. We are left with the notion that special relationships might better be discarded in our increasingly complex world. This book stands as a memorial to a lost ideal, that there is such a thing as friendship in a world in turmoil. It is an ideal to be cherished, but to be regarded with caution.

This stellar anthology, woven like a fine tribal tapestry, has already unleashed torrents of superlatives and accolades. It's just that we can't seem to say enough good things about Lynne Olson's documentary. I believe because it gets rarer and scarcer to find anybody willing to go to so much effort to verify so many minute details, books, statements, memos, letters and notes,then blend them into a readable, understandable, interesting, unique, personal, historically-accurate drama about 'The Americans who stood with Britain in it's darkest, finest hour.' These are the tales of unrelenting courage and patriotism; from the top down.Where, not only average, ordinary citizens stood tall---but three uncommon men of authority in high positions in their socio-economic fields in their home country, America, quietly rose to their zenith in business, politics and philanthropic dedication. These three key leaders: Gil Wynant, Averell Harriman and Ed Murrow in the Top Tier, Olson followed with the Sub-set of No.4. and No.5., Dwight D. Eisenhower and Tommy Hitchcock.When the Battle of Britain and the Normandy Invasion plans were drawn each had a vital part to play through a dedicated connection, friendship or by virtue of their position at the time---with one of the Central Leaders of both the United States of America or Great Britain: President Franklin D. Roosevelt with Harry Hopkins or Prime Minister Winston Churchill, or King George VI. Joseph Stalin, leader of Russia, a ruthless dictator who promised the others anything to achieve his communist goals--was beguiling in his attempt to gain total control of Europe at the close of WWII. The Top Tier never stopped their tenacious pressure on the U.S. govenment and FDR, to get involved and step to the plate, "to save Great Britain and Europe before it's too late!" Never!Lynne Olson brings the reader, historian or novice, a power-packed infusion of intimate, personal, private, insider's revelations and spell-binding information on a life-changing subject most of us grew up with daily, for years---and knew very little about; until now! (May 3, 2010)Having known, studied or worked for leaders, especially Eccentric Leaders like Howard Hughes, Bill Lear, Tommy Hitchcock, Henry Ford, Sen. Barry Goldwater, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Harrah, President Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Judge Wm P. Clark, Jr., Hon.Thomas C.Reed, Hon.Edwin Meese III; the list goes on: It's easy to recognize the charcteristics and qualities that set the tone of Olson's Top Tier Group; Wynant, Harriman and Murrow. The key was Wynant, more so than Harriman, who built a strong bond of, almost invincible confidence with FDR.Many Eccentric Leaders were upper-society people. Most worked hard and best behind the scenes! These Eccentric Leaders worked best behind the scenes; as a TEAM. To steer the complex 'ship' of state of Great Britain through the perilous waters of behind-the-scenes diplomacy and decorum, generally needing a helping hand or helpful word from a colleague, rather than taking the credit themselves. Good conclusions many times resulted but those results were like small tributes to the dentist who had just performed your root-canal.The main result: FDR's reluctant, almost pained along with America's, Final "Yes" to entry into the war; which eventually prevented Great Britain from being devoured!The Sub-set of Tommy Hitchcock and General Dwight Eisenhower had many similar characteristics and qualities as had the Top Tier---and Olson brought them out masterfully. The Key Qualities for all five was headed by each of them being; GOAL ORIENTED--always with an eye on the prize. EXAMPLE: Two Eccentric Leaders, Howard Hughes developed from scratch (with some financial help from Henry J. Kaiser)and flew at the end of the War(1947)the HERCULES H-4 Flying boat aka "The Spruce Goose." Tommy Hitchcock developed. reconfigured and repowered the famed U.S. fighter plane, with new Rolls Royce engines: the P-51B MUSTANG. He became a flying "ace" like Hughes.Characteristics of Eccentric Leaders: * Generally speaking *1. Making money. 2.Philanthropy. Helping others less fortunate. 3.Passionate, intense lovers. 4.Many worked with little sleep. 5. Idea people. 6.Never afraid (like Gill Wynant) to go to the top. 7. Ability to cement Trust and Confidence with leaders of Military, Government and Business everywhere. 8. Recognized and appreciated by ordinary citizens. 9. Prescient. 10. Honest. 11. High I.Q'.s 12. Incredibly deep photographic memories--beyond that of normal human beings. 13. Some, not all, had an abiding faith in a Higher Power.Olson captured, like no writer has yet, the Ed Murrow-syle journalist's Magic typewriter/keyboard, pen and voice in "Citizens of London" The mural they painted across the world, then and now, the smoke of ruined, burning homes, destroyed lives and memories. The eerie moan of air-raid sirens in the night followed by the flying "Buzz" bombs---Hitler's latest technical marvel; the V1 and V2 Rockets which could fly across the channel and destroy entire English neighborhoods. The aromas of death---the sounds of war. Olson has brought these unique players, borrowed for the British stage, into the dynamics of battle and exposed the raw side of war with all of it's Glory, Temptations, Adrenalin, Fear, Determination, Courage, Creativity and Compassion. And the compelling reason for all of this? FREEDOM!The research-gathering alone was a Herculean task. I know. I've done it.This work, this book, deserves TWO THUMBS UP! Top Awards to Lynne Olson & Stan Cloud!Thanks for a Great Read!!!

While viewing MSNBC'S "Morning Joe" a coupla weeks ago, I saw this book on the stand behind Admiral Stavridas and was intrigued. So, I bought it. Wonderful story about Murrow & Harriman, whom most of us have know about forever, but this book focuses on Gil Winant, whom almost no one knows but who was a major US figure in England during WWII. Lotsa great stories about these guys, Churchill, FDR, and others. A great follow-up read to "The Splendid and the Vile."

This book tells the story of three Americans who worked in London during World War Two, and their efforts to raise the level of mutual understanding and respect between Britain and the US. The three are John Gilbert Winant, the American Ambassador to Britain; Edward Murrow, the CBS radio reporter; and Averell Harriman, who ran President Roosevelt's Lend-Lease programme in London. Murrow became famous in Britain and the States due to his radio broadcasts before and during the War, while the power-seeking Harriman went on to a successful political career after the War. But it is Winant, now virtually forgotten, who shines the brightest; his efforts to bridge the gap between Americans and Brits, and between Roosevelt and Churchill and their lieutenants, are explored in full. A great read, and highly recommended, as is Lynne Olson's other book, "Those Angry Days", which chronicles the struggle in the US in the years from the outbreak of World War Two to the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour between those who felt that the US must provide aid to Britain and those who wanted to keep out of the War at any cost.

How many people knew how close these three individuals were to the Churchills and many of the most important individuals in wartime London? There is a new discovery on every page, even if you know Churchill's account of the period. Olsen's style isn't for everyone (too many contractions) but she does seem to have worked from primary sources. She is able to outline the great mistrust of the British among influential Americans; a history of that would be worth a whole other book. This period of history should be fresh in our minds as we teeter on the brink of losing that special relationship status which dates from this time. A very readable history, and just about the right length. (under 400 pp of text).

This fascinating book concentrates on three main characters in the Anglo-American relationship and takes them through the broad sweep of the events of WW 2. Before this book I'd only ever heard of one of them; Ed Murrow who even to a fifty year old Brit is still famous! Gil Winant? Averrel Harriman? Never heard of them before! This book puts that right and gives an absolutely fascinating account of the "live for today for tomorrow we may die" relationships that flourished in wartime Britain. Also of great surprise was how far these three were involved in the UK government's inner circle. This book totally engages you and the revelation about Winants end was truly shocking. An engrossing read from start to finish.

This book was of particular interest to me since my father was a journalist covering World War II from London in the years 1937 - 1940, approximately. He knew Ed Murrow, Eric Severeid, met Winston Churchill, etc, in those perilous times. The book is about the above mentioned politicians/journalists and also about the progress of the war as seen by them from London. The photographic cover of the book plainly delineates some of the main players in the action of the war: Winston Churchill, Harry Hopkins (FDR's assistant), John Winant (the American Ambassador to Great Britain), William Bullitt (Labour politican), and the First Lord of the Admiralty, A. V. Alexander. Winant and Churchill were particularly adamant that America should get into the war, whereas FDR was much against it - America just recovering from the Great Depression could not afford (he thought) to spends lots of money on guns, and shipping men overseas. As we all know, the Japanese by their action against Pearl Harbor, finally got FDR to act, before Great Britain got totally wiped out, and so the War was won by the West. (To sound a little Tolkien-ish about it.) In the book are many charming anecdotes, and tales of the journalists, not to mention the Ambassador, having a lovely time with certain well-bred ladies - as always wartime results in many folks reacting in a very careless way. It is an extremely well-written book, which involves the reader immediately in wartime London and the men and women who lived through it all.Heartily recommended.Linda Sheean

This a fascinating account of 3 influential Americans who had a crucial role in changing US opinion towards helping Britain in WW2. The author manages to combine factual accuracy with compelling accounts of this critical time. The reader becomes spellbound by Winant's, Murrow and Harriman's experiences in London during the bombing of London and the UK and the portraits of Roosevelt and Churchill are fascinating as each tries to combine national and personal goals. I found myself limiting my reading as I didn't want the book to end and felt so sad when it did.