The subtitle indicates one of the British author Holland's points: that the battle to save Britain actually started when Hitler invaded Western Europe in the spring of 1940, although the Battle of Britain is usually defined as from mid-July to mid-September. Holland's (Italy's Sorrow) main theme is the epic confrontation between the Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe, especially after the British, pushed to the English Channel from their toehold at Dunkerque, evacuated the Continent. The desperate Fighter Command effectively utilized its outnumbered forces to deny the Germans the aerial superiority that was necessary to invade Britain. Holland examines the changing tactics and administrative wrangling on both sides, particularly the unseemly way that the successful British commanders Dowding and Park were treated. What makes this book ultimately captivating is Holland's focus on the civilians and lower ranks, both British and German, during this difficult time. He conducted many new interviews that give his book a very human feel. He also taps a variety of archival sources and existing accounts. VERDICT A readable complement to Stephen Bungay's acclaimed The Most Dangerous Enemy: The Definitive History of the Battle of Britain, this is recommended for all history buffs and World War II students. With good maps and endnotes.—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL