Waiting For Hitler

In late summer 1940, Hitler told his army to prepare to invade England. The nation waited, breathless with tension, for the Nazi threat to become real.

Acclaimed author Midge Gillies gathers together the personal accounts of those who still remember this time, with written sources from contemporary press reports, to diaries and letters, to illustrate and recreate the fear, suspense and even excitement of living in England in the shadow of the Nazis. A pair of sisters, determined that life should go on as normally as possible, carry on swimming and playing tennis - only to find themselves under suspicion of being sympathisers because of their seemingly carefree attitude. A group of former poachers and gamekeepers huddle in a woodland hideout, newly trained and prepared to blow up bridges and slit German throats. Citizens hide their most treasured possessions from the Nazis in biscuit tins, or bury them in graveyards.

Over the weekend of September 7th, the code word for high alert flashed round the country, and with tensions at their height many assumed it to mean that the Nazis had already landed. Sunday September 8th was declared a National Day of Prayer - and seemed to many to be the beginning of the end.

This is a compelling and evocative account of what it was like, for that short period in 1940, to be waiting for Hitler.

“'This is the best kind of social history... a feast'”

'Gillies has written a wonderful book, packed with the authentic voices of the past. What might in other hands have been a rather depressing read becomes, thanks to her careful touch, a witty yet moving exploration into Britain and Britishness at its blundering, heroic best.' - The Mail on Sunday

'A brilliant book and will be enjoyed by people from every generation' - Tony Benn

- Margaret Forster

PRAISE FOR MIDGE GILLIES' PREVIOUS BOOKS - -

...diligent, vivid and stirring... Her book is perceptive without being over-analytical, colourful without being overegged... I was gripped, exhilarated and moved by it. - Sunday Telegraph

Fascinating and well-researched - Independent on Sunday

... not just an accomplished biography, but a riveting slice of social history. - Mail on Sunday

A vivid evocation of an era... one can almost smell the mixture of smoke, beer, winkles and champagne. - Times Literary Supplement

Midge Gillies is the acclaimed author of AMY JOHNSON: QUEEN OF THE AIR and MARIE LLOYD: THE ONE AND ONLY. She is also a freelance journalist who writes regularly for the Guardian.

Discover a Classic Craft with a Creative, Contemporary Twist In Woodburning with Style, award-winning artist and pyrographer Simon Easton takes the craft of pyrography, which literally means "writing with fire," and stands it on end. He describes his fresh, artistic creations as "Wood Tattoos," not only because of the visual similarity in the drawing and creative process, but because each finished piece has a distinctive story to tell. With his contemporary flair and creative use of pattern and texture, Easton will take you on a journey from the concepts and basics of woodburning to the tips and techniques that will encourage your creativity and develop your style. Nine step-by-step projects -- including coasters, key rings, and a wall clock -- are mixed in with expert lessons covering everything from making simple marks to texturing and lettering. Regardless of your artistic ability, woodburning is a rewarding craft that's practically infinite in its applications.

In late summer 1940, Hitler told his army to prepare to invade England. The nation waited, breathless with tension, for the Nazi threat to become real.Acclaimed author Midge Gillies gathers together the personal accounts of those who still remember this time, with written sources from contemporary press reports, to diaries and letters, to illustrate and recreate the fear, suspense and even excitement of living in England in the shadow of the Nazis. A pair of sisters, determined that life should go on as normally as possible, carry on swimming and playing tennis - only to find themselves under suspicion of being sympathisers because of their seemingly carefree attitude. A group of former poachers and gamekeepers huddle in a woodland hideout, newly trained and prepared to blow up bridges and slit German throats. Citizens hide their most treasured possessions from the Nazis in biscuit tins, or bury them in graveyards.Over the weekend of September 7th, the code word for high alert flashed round the country, and with tensions at their height many assumed it to mean that the Nazis had already landed. Sunday September 8th was declared a National Day of Prayer - and seemed to many to be the beginning of the end.This is a compelling and evocative account of what it was like, for that short period in 1940, to be waiting for Hitler.

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