The Book Distillery HENRY VYNER-BROOKS

In this final episode Henry travels to 5 European countries exploring the long march of European integration and why Britain always appeared an uneasy fit within that project. He is also asks a veteran peace activist who has attended the Strasbourg parliament for 50 years; whether the project itself has departed from the intensions of its founders. 

The Franco-German reconciliation, described by one US thinktank as 'the greatest achievement in modern statecraft' was partly helped by a Lutheran preacher. Frank Buchman and his international network of Christians  helped Schuman and Adenauer maintain their Christian calling toward forgiveness when a resolution seemed impossible. The rest is history.

Visiting various hiding places in the mountains and valleys of France, this episode not only explores the people who helped Robert Schuman keep one step ahead of a 4-year Nazi manhunt, but also examines the Christian philosophy that underpinned his political ideals.

Who stands fast?’ wrote a condemned German pastor, 'when evil is disguised as light, as historical necessity, or social justice.’ 

As war descends on Europe, Schuman's character is further forged in Nazi prisons and the temptations offered him by one of Hitler's most trusted officials. As the threat of execution looms, Schuman plans a daring escape with a secret dossier. 

Henry continues his journey through Europe to explore how Robert Schuman, future prime minister of France, entered politics after WWI during a period of toxic culture wars and endemic industrial corruption. (Documentary Audio files)

In episode 1 Henry travels between Luxembourg and Metz exploring Schuman's upbringing in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war. After the early death of his father, Schuman studies law even as German militarism threatens European peace. (Documentary Audio files)