Bookclub Nicholas Shakespeare: Six Minutes in May
May 5, 2024
Nicholas Shakespeare discusses his book 'Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister' on a podcast. Topics include the Norway Debate, Chamberlain's resignation, and Churchill's rise to power. The podcast explores historical events through oral witnesses and diaries, secrets of Churchill's ascent, Chamberlain's bird collection, emotional narratives in biographies, and family intrigues.
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Hidden Sides of Chamberlain
- Nicholas Shakespeare's research revealed a different perspective on historical figures like Chamberlain.
- He was tougher, funnier, and more manipulative than commonly portrayed, even using secret service for eavesdropping.
Connecting with the Past
- Shakespeare finds interviewing the last surviving witnesses exciting, allowing him to connect directly with the past.
- He interviewed a sniper and the first English soldier to open fire in mainland Europe during WWII.
The Missing Memo
- The discovery of Martin Lindsay's missing three-page memo, crucial to Churchill's rise to power, was a thrilling moment for Shakespeare.
- This document detailed the mismanagement of the Norway campaign and prompted a pivotal debate.