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Blenheim
- Battle for Europe
- Narrated by: Charles Spenser
- Length: 6 hrs
- Abridged Audiobook
- Categories: History, Europe
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Summary
Blenheim was a major turning point in European history. Charles Spencer's narrative is drawn from original sources and moves seamlessly from the deliberations of kings and princes to the frontline soldiers. This is the battle that creates the enduring reputation of the British redcoat and shatters the image of the "Sun King" and his mighty army.
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What listeners say about Blenheim
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
- Chris
- 05-02-12
Excellent
Very clear and interesting description of the historical background and the battle itself, in a perhaps under discussed period in history. Very clear narration, which always helps,
2 people found this helpful
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- richard
- 16-04-21
Brilliant
Charles Spencer has a brilliant knack of delivering History while making it a thrilling book to listen to
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- Mr. T. J. Richardson
- 01-02-16
Good book but leave narration to a professional
Really interesting book but the author doing the narration as well was not a good idea.
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- Red Jem
- 20-03-12
A fascinating bit of history, succinctly told
If you could sum up Blenheim in three words, what would they be?
Gripping, convoluted, magnificent.
What did you like best about this story?
The complexities of a Europe divided between two ruling families - Habsburgs and Bourbons - were clearly explained.
Did the narration match the pace of the story?
The narrative is delivered by Princess Diana's brother in a clipped, pukka English accent, adding to the 'feel' of the story. It helped immerse the listener in this period of high stakes monarchical face-off.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Ultimately, it is a story that sounds strange to the modern ear: Men willing to face the carnage of 18th Century combat to further the ambitions of remote rulers. And yet it produced remarkable men like Marlborough and Prince Eugene, the military geniuses of their day.
Any additional comments?
For those not familiar with this period, or why English (later British) troops were marching around central Europe, this is an excellent introduction.