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

Citizens of London chronicles three influential Americans who supported Britain during World War II: CBS broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, businessman Averell Harriman, and U.S. Ambassador John Gilbert Winant. The book focuses on their activities in London from 1939 to 1945, as they worked to strengthen the Anglo-American alliance. These men operated at the highest levels of British society and government, developing close relationships with Winston Churchill and other key figures. Through their various roles in journalism, diplomacy, and commerce, they helped shape both public opinion and official policy regarding U.S. involvement in the war. The book draws from personal letters, diaries, and previously classified documents to reconstruct their wartime experiences in London. It presents their professional and personal lives against the backdrop of the Blitz, political maneuvering, and evolving wartime relationships. The narrative illuminates larger themes about leadership during crisis, the complexities of international alliances, and the impact of individual actions on historical events. Beyond its wartime story, the book examines how personal conviction and informal diplomacy can influence the course of nations.

Readers note the book reveals lesser-known figures who shaped US-UK relations during WWII, particularly focusing on Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant. Many readers highlight learning new details about these figures' personal lives and behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Readers appreciate: - Deep research and primary sources - Focus on diplomatic/personal relationships over military strategy - Writing style that makes complex politics accessible - Coverage of London civilian life during the Blitz Common criticisms: - Sometimes jumps between timelines confusingly - Side stories occasionally distract from main narrative - More detail needed about certain political figures - Some sections move slowly Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (8,600+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) Reader quote: "I've read dozens of WWII books but never knew about these three Americans who helped convince FDR to support Britain. This fills an important gap in the historical record." - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 While serving as CBS's chief European correspondent in London, Edward R. Murrow and his wife lived in a flat directly above future Prime Minister Winston Churchill's private intelligence center. 🌟 Averell Harriman, one of the book's central figures, helped arrange for more than $31 billion in Lend-Lease aid from the U.S. to Britain during WWII—equivalent to about $500 billion today. 🌟 John Gilbert Winant, the U.S. Ambassador to Britain featured in the book, was so beloved by the British public that thousands lined the streets of London to watch his funeral procession after his death in 1947. 🌟 Author Lynne Olson worked as a journalist for ten years, including time as a reporter for the Associated Press, before becoming a full-time historian and author focusing on World War II. 🌟 The book reveals that Edward R. Murrow's wife Janet was actually a crucial intelligence asset, serving as a confidential courier between the British government and American officials before the U.S. entered the war.