Erik Larson's portrait of Britain during 1940 illustrates the strength and leadership of Winston Churchill and the resilience of ordinary Britons who prevailed over the most adverse circumstances.

Winston Churchill's mettle was tested early: on his first day as prime minister, Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium.

Over the next year, the Nazis would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons and destroying two million homes.

Yet despite the adverse circumstances and Britain's seemingly powerless position in the face of German forces, Churchill managed to inspire and unite a country.

Erik Larson is an American journalist and author of the bestseller Devil in the White City.

In The Splendid and the Vile, Larson gives us a portrait of Britain in 1940, illuminating how Winston Churchill and ordinary Britons faced the rising tensions and horrors of the war with courage, compassion, and solidarity.