This collection of dispatches examines the volatile political and social climate of London in the years leading up to World War II. Janet Flanner, writing under the pseudonym 'Genêt' for The New Yorker, provides a unique, on-the-ground perspective of a city on the brink of conflict. Her sharp observations capture the anxieties, the cultural shifts, and the everyday lives of Londoners as they navigated the escalating tensions in Europe.

This volume offers a valuable historical record through the eyes of a keen observer. The collection's strength lies in Flanner's ability to distill complex political events and social undercurrents into vivid, accessible prose. The inclusion of period photographs further grounds the reader in the era, providing a rich visual context for her journalistic accounts. It serves as both a historical document and a testament to Flanner's enduring journalistic talent.