London 1945: Life in the Debris of War by Maureen Waller lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
John Murray, 2004, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Maps; Illustrated endpapers and blanks;
From the cover: London at the outset of war in 1939 was the greatest city in the world, the heart of the British Empire. By 1945 it was a drab and exhausted city, beginning the long haul back to recovery.
The defiant capital had always been Hitlers prime target. The last months of the war saw the final phase of the battle of London as the enemy unleashed its new vengeance weapons, the flying bombs and rockets. They were terrifying and brought destruction on a vast scale, but fortunately came too late to dent morale seriously.
The people of London were showing the spirit, courage and resilience which had earned them the admiration of the world during a long siege. In the harshest winter for fifty years, they were living in primitive conditions. Thousands were homeless, living in the Underground and deep shelters. Women queued for horse meat and were lucky to obtain one egg a month. They besieged emergency coal dumps. Everyone longed for peace.
The bright new world seemed elusive. As the victory celebrations passed into memory, there were severe hardships and all the problems of post-war adjustment. Women lost the independence the war had lent them, husbands and wives had to learn to live together again, and children had a lot of catching up to do.
Yet Londons loss has often been its opportunity. Its people had eagerly embraced plans for a modern metropolis and an end to poverty. They voted overwhelmingly for a Labour government and the new, fairer, social order that was their reward for all they had endured.
The year of victory, 1945, represents an important chapter in Londons and Britains long history. Acclaimed historian Maureen Waller draws on a rich array of primary sources, letting the people tell their own story, to re-create that moment, bringing to it the social insight at which she excels.
Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Gently bruised at the head of the spine. Several small stains to the leading edge of the text block, not affecting the leaves internally.
Grey boards with Red titling to the Spine. [XV] 512 pages. Index. Bibliography. 9½” x 6¼”.
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website…(added to my Social History category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog… Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 