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White Heat

A History of Britain in the Swinging Sixties

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White Heat

By: Dominic Sandbrook
Narrated by: Dominic Sandbrook, Roger Davis
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About this listen

Harold Wilson's famous reference to 'white heat' captured the optimistic spirit of a society in the midst of breathtaking change. From the gaudy pleasures of Swinging London to the tragic bloodshed in Northern Ireland, from the intrigues of Westminster to the drama of the World Cup, British life seemed to have taken on a dramatic new momentum.

The memories, images and colourful personalities of those heady times still resonate today: mop-tops and mini-skirts, strikes and demonstrations, Carnaby Street and Kings Road, Harold Wilson and Edward Heath, Mary Quant and Jean Shrimpton, Enoch Powell and Mary Whitehouse, Marianne Faithfull and Mick Jagger.

In this wonderfully rich and compelling historical narrative, Dominic Sandbrook looks behind the myths of the Swinging Sixties to unearth the contradictions of a society caught between optimism and decline.

©2015 Dominic Sandbrook (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK
20th Century Great Britain Winston Churchill Royalty King
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What listeners say about White Heat

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History made interesting

Superbly researched and interesting,made more enjoyable by great narration. Funny, touching and educational. Highly recommended.

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Excellent book ruined by terrible narration

I really enjoy Dominic Sandbrook’s work. It is thorough, well researched, humerous and always offers fascinating insights into modern British history. This book is no different. However, while State of Emergency and Seasons in the Sun were brilliantly narrated by David Thorpe, both White Heat and Never Had it so Good have been narrated by someone who seems to struggle.
The accents are genuinely appalling and there is little warmth or engagement. It’s so disappointing. I actually couldn’t listen to the chapter on Ireland as the accents were insultingly bad.
This is a real shame but I would suggest that, if you enjoy Dominic’s work, buy the book not the audio version.

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful social history let down by narration

I’ve read this book several times so was pleased to see it turned into an audiobook, especially as I’ve listened to Dominic Sandbrook’s excellent books on the 70s repeatedly.

However, I’m struggling to get past the narration. I find the style off putting and feel like I’m listening to a reading of Wind In The Willows for children.

I would have much preferred Sandbrook himself or the excellent David Thorpe.

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4 people found this helpful

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riveting and original

a genuinely riveting, personable and original interpretation of Britain in the 60s. A must read for anyone interested in the period.

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Fantastic Book, Dodgy Narration

I adore Dominic Sandbrook's books, but what a shame this isn't read by him - the narration is stilted, jarring, awkward and really not a great listen at all. Stick to the print edition!

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