The narrative explores the experiences of young men, known as the Bevin Boys, who were conscripted into coal mining during World War II instead of fighting. Faced with dangerous conditions, many struggled physically and psychologically, with some suffering injuries or fatalities. The book delves into the dynamics of mining communities, revealing a mix of acceptance and hostility towards these volunteers. Through oral histories, it uncovers a lesser-known chapter of the war, highlighting the challenges and resilience of those who served in this vital yet perilous role.
Throughout history man has revered his penis as his 'most precious ornament'. Yet, ambivalently, his penis has always been the source of man's deepest neuroses too. 'God's Doodle' is the tale of the penis and the ups and downs of history, distilled from myth, world cultures, religion, literature, science, medicine and contemporary life.
Exploring the mysteries of life and death, this book delves into the afterlife and what it means to be truly alive. It addresses common questions and fears about mortality, offering insights and reflections that challenge conventional beliefs. Through a blend of humor and poignant observations, it invites readers to reconsider their perspectives on life, death, and what lies beyond, making it a thought-provoking read for anyone curious about existence after passing.
When the Second World War began in September 1939, Britain's Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, felt that the BBC should be closed down because no one would have time to listen to the radio. Winston Churchill, when he came to power the following year, wanted the Government to take over the BBC, its adherence to broadcasting the truth leading him to describe it as 'the enemy within the gates'.In reality, the importance of the BBC in the Second World War is incalculable. It became the voice of the people for the people, maintaining day-to-day morale at home and abroad, providing entertainment and advice and the all-important wartime news. What did you do in the War, Auntie? traces the development of news reporting from the Blitz to the deserts of North Africa and the beaches of Normandy, it explores the BBC's battles with the Government and its Ministries, and it shows how it brought hope and help to the peoples of occupied Europe.Tom Hickman's book is also a nostalgic tribute to wartime radio programmes like Workers' Playtime, The Brains Trust and the astoundingly popular ITMA, and to such much-loved personalities as Tommy Handley, J. B. Priestley, Gert and Daisy, the Radio Doctor and Vera Lynn.What did you do in the War, Auntie is more than the story of British wartime broadcasting. It is the stirring story if a nation knitted together by radio at a time of supreme crisis.
V roce 1911 spatřil Thompson muže v cylindru, jak dohlíží na obléhání v Sidney Street v Londýně. O deset let později se stal jeho osobním strážcem a v roce 1939 byl opět povolán z penze, aby ho chránil během nebezpečného období. Tím mužem byl Winston Churchill, jehož život byl mezi dvěma světovými válkami ohrožován mnoha nepřáteli, včetně egyptských nacionalistů a irských gangů. Walter Thompson, detektiv Scotland Yardu, zajistil, že nikdo z těchto útočníků neuspěl. Během druhé světové války byl Thompson neustále po boku Churchilla, čelícího nebezpečným situacím, jako byly cesty přes Atlantik na schůzky s Rooseveltem nebo návštěvy frontových linií. Thompson se musel vyrovnávat s Churchillovou lehkomyslností, když se snažil dostat blíž k nebezpečným místům. Po svém prvním penzionování napsal Thompson knihu o svých zážitcích, kterou Churchill podpořil, ale druhá kniha o válce vyvolala potíže kvůli odhalení přílišného soukromí. Nakonec trvalo šest let, než se dostala do tisku v upravené podobě. Tento příběh, založený na dosud nepublikovaných materiálech, odhaluje unikátní obraz Churchilla a jeho vztah s Thompsonem, který se vyvinul v překvapivé přátelství trvající více než dvacet let.
