Citizens of London

Lynne Olson's "Citizens of London" offers a riveting, behind-the-scenes account of the pivotal alliance between the United States and Britain during World War II, viewed through the experiences of three extraordinary Americans in London. Edward R. Murrow, the iconic CBS News correspondent; Averell Harriman, President Roosevelt's special envoy overseeing Lend-Lease; and John Gilbert Winant, the shy but resolute U.S. ambassador, played crucial roles in cementing the transatlantic bond. The book delves into their dramatic personal journeys, highlighting their close ties with Winston Churchill and even romantic entanglements within his family circle. Drawing on extensive primary sources, Olson masterfully illustrates how these determined men, deeply committed to saving Britain from Nazi Germany, painstakingly convinced a hesitant Franklin Roosevelt and a reluctant American public to support the British cause at a critical juncture. It's a deeply human and brilliantly researched narrative, showcasing the intense personal and political efforts that shaped the course of the war.