Book · 2020 · History
The Splendid and the Vile
A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
Why people recommend it
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson is a gripping work of narrative nonfiction that chronicles Winston Churchill and London's resilience during the Blitz in the first year of World War II. The book received prominent attention across multiple podcast platforms. On The Ezra Klein Show, Thomas Friedman recommended the book as his second selection, praising it as an exceptionally insightful study in leadership. Later, on Modern Wisdom, Chris Williamson discussed the title with George Mack, highlighting one of the striking historical anecdotes detailed by Larson regarding how lingerie sales experienced a significant surge during the wartime bombings. The book also appeared in popular culture conversations, such as on the podcast SmartLess, where Will Arnett mentioned to his fellow co-hosts that he was currently reading the bestseller while spending time on the beach, prompting lighthearted banter about his reading habits from the other participants. Through these various mentions, the book was recognized both as a compelling examination of historical leadership under pressure and as an engaging piece of popular history that resonated widely with contemporary readers seeking vivid accounts of Britain's darkest and most resolute hour during the twentieth century.
Who recommended it
- Thomas Friedman Recommended
- Chris Williamson Discussed
Thomas Friedman — 2 mentions
“the second second is um on my desk The Splendid and the vial by Eric Larsson which is just an amazing study in leadership”
“the second second is um on my desk The Splendid and the vial by Eric Larsson which is just an amazing study in leadership”
Chris Williamson — 1 mention
“So, in the book, The Splender in the Vial, which is an incredible book, he talks about how lingerie sales went up significantly during the World War II bombings.”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
“When you're on the beach, reading in the sun makes me want to—what I do is write, and I'm sorry, then I just started—I’m now reading this Splendid and the Vile, which a lot of people have read.”