Try an audiobook on us
The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster
People who bought this also bought...
-
The World Crisis 1911-18
- Part 1 - 1911 to 1914
- By: Sir Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part One Winston Churchill's superlative account of the prelude to and events of the First World War is a defining work of 20th-century history. With dramatic narrative power Churchill reconstructs the action on the Western and Eastern Fronts, the wars at sea and in the air and the advent of tanks and U-boats.
-
-
Living History
- By Graham on 03-02-10
-
The Last Battle
- By: Cornelius Ryan
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Battle for Berlin was the culminating struggle of World War II in the European theater. The last offensive against Hitler’s Third Reich, it devastated one of Europe’s historic capitals and marked the final defeat of Nazi Germany. It was also one of the war’s bloodiest and most pivotal battles, whose outcome would shape international politics for decades to come.
-
-
A Good One
- By Roland on 01-09-13
-
Churchill
- By: Roy Jenkins
- Narrated by: Robert Whitfield
- Length: 38 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this magisterial book, Roy Jenkins' unparalleled command of the political history of Britain and his own high-level government experience combine in a narrative account of Churchill's astounding career that is unmatched in its shrewd insights, its unforgettable anecdotes, the clarity of its overarching themes, and the author's nuanced appreciation of his extraordinary subject.
-
-
A biography worthy of Churchill
- By Francis on 29-11-07
-
My Early Life
- By: Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the classic volumes of autobiography, My Early Life is a lively and colourful account of a young man's quest for action, adventure and danger. Churchill's schooldays are undistinguished, but he is admitted to Sandhurst and embarks on a career as a soldier and a war correspondent, seeing action in Cuba, in India, in the Sudan - where he took part in the battle of Omdurman, of which he gives us a stirring account - and finally in South Africa.
-
-
A very good listen
- By M. K. Slaughter on 07-01-15
-
The Boer War
- By: Martin Bossenbroek
- Narrated by: James Langton
- Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Boer War, winner of the Netherland's 2013 Libris History Prize and shortlisted for the 2013 AKO Literature Prize, the author brings a completely new perspective to this chapter of South African history, critically examining the involvement of the Netherlands in the war. Furthermore, unlike other accounts, Martin Bossenbroek explores the war primarily through the experiences of three men uniquely active during the bloody conflict.
-
-
Bad Pronouncition of South African characters
- By Graham on 11-04-18
-
The Birth of Britain
- A History of the English Speaking Peoples, Volume I
- By: Sir Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The English-speaking peoples comprise perhaps the greatest number of human beings sharing a common language in the world today. These people also share a common heritage. For his four-volume work, Sir Winston Churchill took as his subject these great elements in world history. Volume 1 commences in 55BC, when Julius Caesar famously "turned his gaze upon Britain" and concludes with the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
-
-
warmly recommended
- By Tom on 04-07-07
-
The World Crisis 1911-18
- Part 1 - 1911 to 1914
- By: Sir Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part One Winston Churchill's superlative account of the prelude to and events of the First World War is a defining work of 20th-century history. With dramatic narrative power Churchill reconstructs the action on the Western and Eastern Fronts, the wars at sea and in the air and the advent of tanks and U-boats.
-
-
Living History
- By Graham on 03-02-10
-
The Last Battle
- By: Cornelius Ryan
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 15 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Battle for Berlin was the culminating struggle of World War II in the European theater. The last offensive against Hitler’s Third Reich, it devastated one of Europe’s historic capitals and marked the final defeat of Nazi Germany. It was also one of the war’s bloodiest and most pivotal battles, whose outcome would shape international politics for decades to come.
-
-
A Good One
- By Roland on 01-09-13
-
Churchill
- By: Roy Jenkins
- Narrated by: Robert Whitfield
- Length: 38 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this magisterial book, Roy Jenkins' unparalleled command of the political history of Britain and his own high-level government experience combine in a narrative account of Churchill's astounding career that is unmatched in its shrewd insights, its unforgettable anecdotes, the clarity of its overarching themes, and the author's nuanced appreciation of his extraordinary subject.
-
-
A biography worthy of Churchill
- By Francis on 29-11-07
-
My Early Life
- By: Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
- Length: 12 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of the classic volumes of autobiography, My Early Life is a lively and colourful account of a young man's quest for action, adventure and danger. Churchill's schooldays are undistinguished, but he is admitted to Sandhurst and embarks on a career as a soldier and a war correspondent, seeing action in Cuba, in India, in the Sudan - where he took part in the battle of Omdurman, of which he gives us a stirring account - and finally in South Africa.
-
-
A very good listen
- By M. K. Slaughter on 07-01-15
-
The Boer War
- By: Martin Bossenbroek
- Narrated by: James Langton
- Length: 19 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Boer War, winner of the Netherland's 2013 Libris History Prize and shortlisted for the 2013 AKO Literature Prize, the author brings a completely new perspective to this chapter of South African history, critically examining the involvement of the Netherlands in the war. Furthermore, unlike other accounts, Martin Bossenbroek explores the war primarily through the experiences of three men uniquely active during the bloody conflict.
-
-
Bad Pronouncition of South African characters
- By Graham on 11-04-18
-
The Birth of Britain
- A History of the English Speaking Peoples, Volume I
- By: Sir Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The English-speaking peoples comprise perhaps the greatest number of human beings sharing a common language in the world today. These people also share a common heritage. For his four-volume work, Sir Winston Churchill took as his subject these great elements in world history. Volume 1 commences in 55BC, when Julius Caesar famously "turned his gaze upon Britain" and concludes with the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
-
-
warmly recommended
- By Tom on 04-07-07
-
The Pity of War
- Explaining World War One
- By: Niall Ferguson
- Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
- Length: 21 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In The Pity of War, Niall Ferguson makes a simple and provocative argument: that the human atrocity known as the Great War was entirely England's fault. Britain, according to Ferguson, entered into war based on nave assumptions of German aims-and England's entry into the war transformed a Continental conflict into a world war, which they then badly mishandled, necessitating American involvement.
-
-
A fine book but better to read than listen to it
- By Tom on 12-04-12
-
The Norman Conquest
- The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England
- By: Marc Morris
- Narrated by: Frazer Douglas
- Length: 18 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An upstart French duke who sets out to conquer the most powerful and unified kingdom in Christendom. An invasion force on a scale not seen since the days of the Romans. One of the bloodiest and most decisive battles ever fought.
-
-
Great story, poor reading
- By Matthew on 21-11-14
-
To Rule the Waves
- How the British Navy Changed the Modern World
- By: Arthur Herman
- Narrated by: John Curless
- Length: 29 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
To Rule the Waves tells the extraordinary story of how the British Royal Navy allowed one nation to rise to a level of power unprecedented in history. From the navy's beginnings under Henry VIII to the age of computer warfare and special ops, historian Arthur Herman tells the spellbinding tale of great battles at sea, heroic sailors, violent conflict, and personal tragedy - of the way one mighty institution forged a nation, an empire, and a new world.
-
-
excellent book, well read.
- By Michael Davison on 26-10-17
-
All Hell Let Loose
- By: Max Hastings
- Narrated by: Cameron Stewart
- Length: 32 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The complete magisterial history of the greatest and most terrible event in history, from one of the finest historians of the Second World War. This shows the impact of war upon hundreds of millions of people around the world - soldiers, sailors and airmen; housewives, farm workers and children. Reflecting Max Hastings' 35 years of research on World War II, All Hell Let Loose describes the course of events but focuses chiefly upon human experience.
-
-
40 hours long yet still felt too short.
- By MR on 10-09-16
-
Enemy at the Gates
- The Battle for Stalingrad
- By: William Craig
- Narrated by: David Baker
- Length: 13 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On August 5, 1942, giant pillars of dust rose over the Russian steppe, marking the advance of the 6th Army, an elite German combat unit dispatched by Hitler to capture the industrial city of Stalingrad and press on to the oil fields of Azerbaijan. The Germans were supremely confident; in three years, they had not suffered a single defeat. The Luftwaffe had already bombed the city into ruins. German soldiers hoped to complete their mission and be home in time for Christmas.
-
-
Amazing
- By Ryan on 22-10-16
-
The New World
- A History of the English Speaking Peoples, Volume II
- By: Sir Winston Churchill
- Narrated by: Christian Rodska
- Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Between 1485 and 1688, England became a Protestant country under Henry VIII. His daughter, Elizabeth I, battled for succession and supremacy at home, and the discovery of 'the round world' enabled a vast continent across the Atlantic to be explored. While this new era was spawning the beginnings of modern America, England was engaged in a bloody civil war and sustained a Republican experiment under the leadership of Oliver Cromwell.
-
-
Fascinating period of history
- By Mr Alexander Erskine on 21-07-18
-
Churchill
- Walking with Destiny
- By: Andrew Roberts
- Narrated by: Stephen Thorne
- Length: 50 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Churchill by Andrew Roberts, read by Stephen Thorne. Winston Churchill towers over every other figure in 20th-century British history. By the time of his death at the age of 90 in 1965, many thought him to be the greatest man in the world. There have been over a thousand previous biographies of Churchill. Andrew Roberts now draws on over 40 new sources, including the private diaries of King George VI, used in no previous Churchill biography, to depict him more intimately and persuasively than any of its predecessors.
-
-
GLORIOUS! ROBERT'S SPECTACULAR LIFE OF CHURCHILL
- By Leonie F on 16-11-18
-
Winston S. Churchill: The History of the Second World War, Volume 1 - The Gathering Storm
- By: Winston S. Churchill
- Narrated by: Michael Jayston
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the Second World War every bond between man and man was to perish. Crimes were committed by the Hitler regime which find no equal in scale and wickedness with any that have darkened the human record. It was a simple policy to keep Germany disarmed after the struggle of the First World War and the Victors adequately armed in vigilance. But errors were soon made.
-
-
Terrible Audio Echo
- By J on 07-01-19
-
Nemesis
- The Battle for Japan, 1944-45
- By: Max Hastings
- Narrated by: Stewart Cameron
- Length: 29 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With an introduction read by Max Hastings. A companion volume to his best-selling ‘Armageddon’, Max Hastings’ account of the battle for Japan is a masterful military history. Featuring the most remarkable cast of commanders the world has ever seen, the dramatic battle for Japan of 1944-45 was acted out across the vast stage of Asia: Imphal and Kohima, Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Soviet assault on Manchuria.
-
-
Brilliant as usual
- By Jim on 02-11-14
-
No Man’s Land
- 1918, the Last Year of the Great War
- By: John Toland
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 25 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From freezing infantrymen huddled in bloodied trenches on the front lines to intricate political maneuvering and tense strategy sessions in European capitals, noted historian John Toland tells of the unforgettable final year of the First World War. In this audiobook, participants on both sides, from enlisted men to generals and prime ministers to monarchs, vividly recount the battles, sensational events, and behind-the-scenes strategies that shaped the climactic, terrifying year.
-
-
No mans land
- By Amazon Customer on 27-10-17
-
Out of the Mountains
- The Coming Age of the Urban Guerrilla
- By: David Kilcullen
- Narrated by: Christopher Kipiniak
- Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Americans think of modern warfare, what comes to mind is the US army skirmishing with terrorists and insurgents in the mountains of Afghanistan. But the face of global conflict is ever-changing. In Out of the Mountains, David Kilcullen, one of the world's leading experts on current and future conflict, offers a groundbreaking look at what may happen after today's wars end.
-
The Nuremberg Trial
- By: John Tusa, Ann Tusa
- Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
- Length: 25 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is a gripping account of the major postwar trial of the Nazi hierarchy in World War II. The Nuremberg Trial brilliantly recreates the trial proceedings and offers a reasoned, often profound examination of the processes that created international law. From the whimpering of Kaltenbrunner and Ribbentrop on the stand to the icy coolness of Goering, each participant is vividly drawn.
-
-
Brings horrible history alive
- By Tim Conway on 18-04-14
Summary
Churchill's history of the Second World War is, and will remain, the definitive work. Lucid, dramatic, remarkable for its breadth and sweep and for its sense of personal involvement, it is universally acknowledged as a magnificent reconstruction. Please note: This book was originally published in six volumes:
1.The Gathering Storm
2. Their Finest Hour
3. The Grand Alliance
4. The Hinge of Fate
5. Closing the Ring
6. Triumph and Tragedy
Churchill then condensed these into four volumes, which have since been released as one, rather hefty, publication. Audible has published the unabridged recordings of Churchill's condensed volume, divided into four parts, as follows:
1.Milestone to Disaster
2.Alone
3.The Grand Alliance
4.Triumph and Tragedy
More from the same
What members say
Average customer ratings
Overall
-
-
5 Stars243
-
4 Stars40
-
3 Stars10
-
2 Stars3
-
1 Stars1
Performance
-
-
5 Stars160
-
4 Stars17
-
3 Stars2
-
2 Stars0
-
1 Stars0
Story
-
-
5 Stars159
-
4 Stars19
-
3 Stars0
-
2 Stars1
-
1 Stars0
-
Overall
- William
- Castlewellan, United Kingdom
- 18-08-09
Extremely good listening
Excellent, just excellent, I listened to this as one might to a novel,it was so gripping. I have only downloaded this title a day or two and have finished it already. All through the reading I could hear the great man's voice. The reading was very good indeed
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Kirstine
- Midlothian
- 16-09-11
Riveting history by a master story-teller
I couldn't stop listening to this first of four parts of this monumental work covering the prelude and execution of the Second World War written by the man who saw Britain through its darkest hours. He writes wonderfully well in a fluent and captivating style that gives a tremendous sense of immediacy to this historical record. Being of the generation born just after the War much of the bones of the story are well-known but not the details of just how near to disaster our country came on several occasions. Churchill's fine writing and the precarious nature of the events described make for a wonderful listen greatly enhanced by Christian Rodska's masterly narration. I've immediately started listening to the next part of this quartet of books.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Mark
- Upper Belvedere, United Kingdom
- 08-06-10
Brilliance
Having finished listening to the whole four volumes of Churchill's WWII work, I can say that it was time extremely well spent. The narration was superb, with just enough Churchillism in the voice to bring images of the great man to mind. Churchill's writings are wonderful. If you are concerned that this work will be dull and tedious, don't worry, it is certainly not (I especially enjoyed the remark made by the Naval chap to the Russian official, after being offered a cigarette - find it in the fourth book!). Chances are, you'll be listening for a second or third time - I will. My only regret is that I listened to this work first - whereas, it may have been better to listen, initially, to the work on the first world war, then this work - but thats just me, there is no real reason why you cannot listen and enjoy this one first. Download this and enjoy. It will give you a better understanding of how the world managed to tumble into another war and of the great man himself. I don't really care much for celebrities, actors/actresses, singers and such, but of the very few people I admire, Churchill is one. And he would definitely be invited to my dining table- if only I could get the time machine to work!
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Kurt
- Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom
- 05-03-10
One of the best narrators I've heard
Christian Rodska really makes this book come alive. You can imagine sitting next to Churchill himself reading the book. His accent and interpretation are spot on. And he is equally adept at other character accents in the book. I really enjoyed listening to it and became absorbed in both the story and in Churchill's splendid use of the language.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Kevin McIntyre
- Cambridge, United Kingdom
- 07-04-13
Worth the read
Winston Churchill is a great writer besides being a great Prime Minister. Really good to hear it form his point of view rather than from others writing about him or the war. You definitely realise this was a man ahead of his time, and one of the few to really get Hitler.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Amazon Customer
- 20-02-13
Fantastic
This is a truly fantastic audiobook that has been very well narrated. I have listened to this time and again and keep finding new content of interest. If you have an interest in the second world war then, quite simply, you have to buy this.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Anonymous User
- 11-01-19
The second world war milestones to disaster
Excellent listen. Well written by a master and narrator brillant. If you want to know about ww2 this is a good place to begin.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jayceon1888
- 02-09-18
Britain’s finest man
Great listen for anyone interested in world war 2 and even the inter war years. Also a great look at the man that took on the weight of the world and how he dealt with it. A must read or listen for all British, it should be part of the school curriculum! Off to listen to part 2 3 and 4. Just like only a man like Stalin in Russia could have beaten the Germans and only Hitler could have got the Germans to fight only Winston Churchill could have lead Britain to victory 5***** stars
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- A. Curtis
- Lincolnshire, UK
- 11-04-18
Brilliant and insightful
Wonderful book written by the key British figure. Love Churchill's writing style and the narration is close enough without being a Churchill impression. Really wonderful book for anyone interested in WW2. Onto the next one....
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David
- Buckinghamshire
- 24-03-18
From the Heart
I’ve read & listen to many books on the Second World War from many different historians.
Sir Winston Churchill’s account seen through his own eyes,for me it brings reality into context & defines the person that is Sir Winston Churchill.
-
Overall
- John M
- 30-10-08
Brilliant! Only Churchill could have done this.
What a gift Winston Churchill has given his and future generations. This is an absolutely unique perspective on World War II. Not only was Churchill in the middle of all major decisions made in Great Britain during the war (and was aware of most of the pre-war decisions), he also has a keen sense of history and perspective that only a few historians possess. He also has a mastery of the English language and a sublime wit that brings this already compelling story to life.
As far as this volume (1 of 3 published, 1 to go - hopefully) it is absolutely remarkable the sheer number of opportunities there were to prevent/delay this conflict that were missed or explicitly ignored. In the beginning of this volume, Churchill declares WWII should have been named "The Unnecessary War" and it is hard to argue with his thesis. But his insight into this entire process is terrific. I highly recommend this set of books for anyone interested in the War or a remarkable view into a great leader in a trying time.
Finally, just a quick note on abridgment. It is true this is an unabridged audio book of the first of four volumes, but the four volumes are a textual abridgment of Churchill's original set of six volumes (but at least Churchill was apparently the one who did that abridgement). I have the original set of six and I am able to follow along with the audiobook. I end up reading the sections that were left out in the evenings and to me they are very interesting. Those sections left out are insightful and do add to the overall tapestry of the story.
It does not make this version any less worthwhile, though. As others have noted, the narrator sounds like Churchill (or at least like I imagine Churchill would sound like) which adds to the overall experience.
72 of 73 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Taranthis
- 31-01-08
Great
An amazing insight into the circumstances that led to the WWII. Churchill is the ultimate wordsmith and this book is beautifully read.
If you are interested in the war then this is an excellent purchase.
30 of 30 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- hello7890
- 18-05-08
great narration
I often had the feeling that I was listening to a narration by Churchill himself. I'm not sure if this is an excellent imitation or if it is the way the narrator usually speaks. The narrator does a great job of bringing the man (and his words) alive. He also switches voices very effectively for other characters (such as Chamberlain and Baldwin). This book mostly focuses on the politics that led Britain and France to do little to stop Hitler from mobilizing Germany for war. It is a fascinating inside view.
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Austin
- 03-05-10
Exquisite, awe-inspiring. A new favorite.
This audiobook repaid many experimental purchases which have proven unworthy. It is majestic, insightful, and wonderfully autobiographical. Winston Churchill recounts the pre-war years from a vantage near (but not at) the top, and as an influential leader with many burdens and cares, his intimations of fear and regret are very moving. There is a reason he was voted #1 in the BBC's "100 Greatest Britons" in 2002, above Shakespeare, Newton and Darwin, and it is a treat to listen, wrapped, as if seated with the great man as he recounts his celebrated exploits first-hand.
Churchill's prose is often muscular and warlike, as was the man himself, despite his pinched voice and stature. Thus I think Christian Rodska has done a better job of narrating this work than the author could have. Who needs fiction with such grand history? As Churchill's closing lines declare, "Facts are better than dreams."
You will be intrigued, frightened, inspired. You will get chills.
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Carol
- 18-06-11
Stunning
Winston Churchill says in his Prologue that this book is not history--"that is for future generations"--but he is confident (and this man is nothing if not confident) that historians will find his accounts useful. An understatement.
The narrative fully supports the old adages that "hindsight is 20-20" and "history is written by the victors." That said, it is a stunning experience, a unique you-are-there account of the 1930s into which are immersed. We experience the growing sense of helpless dread as the decade progresses and Hitler becomes stronger, the leaders of depression-ravaged Europe contort themselves in denial, and war becomes inevitable.
History aside, this book is a literary masterpiece. Churchill's breadth of mind and stunning command of English prose is brought to vivid life by Christian Rodska. The sound-byte darlings and intellectual midgets of today's political scene need to sit back, listen, and maybe even learn.
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- John
- 02-05-18
Sham Augustan Prose
There are few interpretive surprises here; published three years after the peace, Churchill's multi-volume war memoirs are the first draft of the story, a uniquely authoritative secondary source which historians have quoted or critiqued ever since. Nor are there many revelations. The author being out of office, German rearmament, Allied spinelessness, the Rhineland, Austrian, Sudetenland and Czechoslovakian crises are all described from the outside, and from a perspective familiar to anyone familiar with WSC.
What sets this apart is the writing. Evelyn Waugh dismissed Churchill’s style as “sham Augustan prose”, a judgement I can’t argue with because, if we drop the “sham”, I agree. We forget that Churchill was, by 1940, a throwback, a Victorian facing a crisis no Victorian could imagine outside a novel. But his old-fashioned cultural confidence is what saw Britain through. Besides, Augustan prose makes for good listening:
“Virtuous motives, trammeled by inertia and timidity, are no match for armed and resolute wickedness. A sincere love of peace is no excuse for muddling hundreds of millions of humble folk into total war.”
“The new House of Commons was a spirited body. With all that lay before them in the next ten years, they had need to be.”
Or this quick sketch of Molotov:
“He was, above all men, fitted to be the agent and instrument of the policy of an incalculable machine.”
Writing so close to the events he narratives, Churchill passes on some old wives' tales--like the Polish cavalry attacking German armored formations--that later research would debunk. And, though this is a memoir (as opposed to history), he spends most of this first volume reviewing the history of 1919-1939, setting the table for the story that follows. Until chapter 17, when Chamberlain asks our author to join his war cabinet, we get little sense of his day-to-day feelings beyond a general dread and frustration. Sometimes, however, he gives more personal details:
“…[Anthony] Eden had resigned [over Ethiopia]. I must confess that my heart sank…In a long life I have had many ups and downs; during all the war soon to come, and in its darkest times, I never had any trouble in sleeping…now, on this night of February the 20th, 1938, and on this occasion only, sleep deserted me.”
Yet Churchill’s position outside the inner circle didn’t leave him completely out of action. Soviet ambassador Ivan Maisky, for example, approached him with plans for British-Franco-Soviet cooperation against Germany, plans he felt would be rebuffed in the official channels (as they subsequently were).
Finally, of course, there are flashes of incisive wit, such as his rejoinder to Stalin’s famous question to Pierre Laval, “The pope? How many divisions has he got?”:
“Laval’s answer was not reported to me. But he might certainly have mentioned a number of legions not always visible on parade.”
Christian Rodska serves it all up magnificently. It’s hard to read Churchill’s prose out loud without sounding like Churchill. Fortunately, our narrator doesn’t fight the inevitable.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark
- 30-06-13
Straight from the horse's mouth
If you want an unbiased history of the build-up to World War II, look elsewhere. This book is Winston Churchill's interpretation of the momentous events culminating in his coming to power in the early stages of the conflict.
But it is all the more interesting because it tells the story from his personal perspective. He is never shy of pointing out, time and time again, how his political colleagues could have avoided or delayed the war by standing up to Hitler. After the devastation of World War One the political climate in Britain was dominated by a desire for peace, and successive British governments stood back and watched while Hitler built a powerful military machine, a policy of appeasement which Churchill opposed vocally and consistently for many years. When Hitler invaded Belgium and Holland, the folly of the appeasers became undeniable and they stood down, making way for the one man who was ready for the fight.
Churchill's command of the English language is, of course, legendary. His radio speeches stirred and galvanized the British people and motivated them to make the necessary sacrifices in Britain's darkest hour. Although the subject of this story is a sombre one, it is a joy to hear it told in Churchill's own words.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark Acker
- 02-05-12
Great perspective!
It's one thing to read about WW2 from a historian, it's altogether different to hear it directly from one of the major players. It gave me new insight that I hadn't gathered from other books on the topic. The narration is also fantastic.
My only complaint is that I didn't realize this was the first of 4 parts when I bought it. It only leads up to the beginning of the war. I would like to have paid 2 credits for all 4 books together rather than having to buy each one separately. That having been said, I probably will end up buying the other three books.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- John M.
- 16-05-09
Outstanding
This is a great read (listen). The Narrator, besides being excellent sounds exactly like Churchill!!! Winston Churchill was a master wordsmith so combine the great narration with one of the best authors in history and you have a 5 star book. History buffs this is a must... can't wait to listen to Book #2 "Alone".
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
-
Overall
- Gregory T. Lombardo
- 02-12-08
A Classic Account read to perfection
This is an account of WW-II from perhaps the most authoritative and articulate of witnesses. I was always sorry when I had to interrupt my listening to this classic. Few books I have listened to are so unceasingly compelling and as important in their subject matter. As a writer Churchill hardly needs either introduction or testament to his eloquence and fervor. Anyone unfamiliar with this work will be awed by his vision. Whether one agrees or not with Churchill's judgment, the experience of sharing his consciousness and his prose is an astonishing one. More than most selections this is a set of books to pass on from one generation to the next or from one connoisseur to another.
The reading of these volumes is also nonpareil. Throughout I am convinced that I am listening to Churchill himself.
10 of 12 people found this review helpful