In latest book, author Erik Larson looks back at another time of crisis: London’s Blitz

Erik Larson discusses his book 'The Splendid and the Vile', focusing on Winston Churchill's first year as Britain's wartime Prime Minister. He explores the resilience of the British people during the Blitz and Churchill's leadership style. Larson highlights the personal lives of Churchill's family and draws comparisons to modern challenges like the coronavirus pandemic.

What inspired Erik Larson to explore the story of Winston Churchill during the Blitz?

How does Larson depict the daily life of the Churchill family during the bombing raids?

What unique perspective does Mary Churchill provide in the narrative?

What was one of the most surprising aspects of Churchill's personality that Larson discovered during his research?

What role did public perception play in Churchill's actions during the Blitz?

How did the experiences of Londoners during the Blitz compare to those of Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Larson?

In what ways did Churchill's leadership style differ from contemporary leaders during crises?