Listen free for 30 days
-
The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 24 mins
- Categories: History, Military
People who bought this also bought...
-
Stalin: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Arguably no person in history had such a direct and negative impact on the lives of so many as Joseph Stalin. Under the Red Tsar terror knew no limits, it did not discriminate; no one was safe, no institution, no single town or village was immune. Yet, following his death in 1953, Stalin was deeply mourned. He had "received the country with a wooden plough, and left it with a nuclear missile shield." And no-one else, some claimed, could have led the Soviet Union to victory in the Second World War.
-
-
The Man of Steel, explained in brief
- By Jake Blunt on 04-09-16
-
World War Two: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a succinct history of World War Two in just one hour.World War Two was one of the most devastating conflicts the world has ever seen. Between 1939 and 1945 almost every country in the world was affected by the war in some way.World War Two: History in an Hour neatly covers all the major facts and events giving you a clear and straightforward overview of the politics involved, the violence that ensued and how it changed the world in unimaginable ways.
-
-
A worthwhile and informative listen.
- By Gary on 02-03-17
-
Nazi Germany: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Hitler was intent on the supremacy of the Aryan race and persecution of the Jews, which affected every citizen living in Germany at the time. Learn just how and why the Nazi’s rose to power in just one hour.
-
-
enjoyed it!
- By Grant M on 14-01-20
-
The Russian Revolution: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a concise history of the Siege of Leningrad in just one hour. In 1917 the world changed forever. One of the most influential and contentious events in recent history, the Russian Revolution unleashed the greatest political experiment ever conducted, one which continues to influence both Eastern and Western politics today.
-
-
Great intro series
- By Jo on 22-10-19
-
Hitler: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Hitler in an Hour is the concise biography of Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler.Covering Hitler’s early life, military service in World War I and eventual rise to power, first as the leader of the Nazi party and then to head of state, Hitler in an Hour covers all the key events the life of the 20th century’s most infamous dictator.
-
-
Really Good!
- By Anonymous User on 12-03-20
-
The Cold War: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. The Cold War: History in an Hour gives a brilliant overview of the unusual and non-violent war between East and West that lasted nearly fifty years.From the end of World War Two to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the world lived within the shadow of the Cold War. Russia and America eyed each other with suspicion and hostility.
-
-
A great potted history
- By Riff on 09-09-16
-
Stalin: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Arguably no person in history had such a direct and negative impact on the lives of so many as Joseph Stalin. Under the Red Tsar terror knew no limits, it did not discriminate; no one was safe, no institution, no single town or village was immune. Yet, following his death in 1953, Stalin was deeply mourned. He had "received the country with a wooden plough, and left it with a nuclear missile shield." And no-one else, some claimed, could have led the Soviet Union to victory in the Second World War.
-
-
The Man of Steel, explained in brief
- By Jake Blunt on 04-09-16
-
World War Two: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a succinct history of World War Two in just one hour.World War Two was one of the most devastating conflicts the world has ever seen. Between 1939 and 1945 almost every country in the world was affected by the war in some way.World War Two: History in an Hour neatly covers all the major facts and events giving you a clear and straightforward overview of the politics involved, the violence that ensued and how it changed the world in unimaginable ways.
-
-
A worthwhile and informative listen.
- By Gary on 02-03-17
-
Nazi Germany: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party. Hitler was intent on the supremacy of the Aryan race and persecution of the Jews, which affected every citizen living in Germany at the time. Learn just how and why the Nazi’s rose to power in just one hour.
-
-
enjoyed it!
- By Grant M on 14-01-20
-
The Russian Revolution: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a concise history of the Siege of Leningrad in just one hour. In 1917 the world changed forever. One of the most influential and contentious events in recent history, the Russian Revolution unleashed the greatest political experiment ever conducted, one which continues to influence both Eastern and Western politics today.
-
-
Great intro series
- By Jo on 22-10-19
-
Hitler: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Hitler in an Hour is the concise biography of Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler.Covering Hitler’s early life, military service in World War I and eventual rise to power, first as the leader of the Nazi party and then to head of state, Hitler in an Hour covers all the key events the life of the 20th century’s most infamous dictator.
-
-
Really Good!
- By Anonymous User on 12-03-20
-
The Cold War: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. The Cold War: History in an Hour gives a brilliant overview of the unusual and non-violent war between East and West that lasted nearly fifty years.From the end of World War Two to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 the world lived within the shadow of the Cold War. Russia and America eyed each other with suspicion and hostility.
-
-
A great potted history
- By Riff on 09-09-16
-
The Vietnam War: History in an Hour
- By: Neil Smith
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a concise history of the Vietnam War in just one hour. War, what is it good for? The Vietnam War: History In an Hour gives a gripping account of the most important Cold War-era conflict, fought between the United States and the Viet Cong, the Vietnam People’s Army and their Communist allies. It was one of the most traumatic military conflicts America has ever been involved in – and provoked a backlash of anti-war protests at home.
-
-
reasonable introduction to the vietnam war
- By Customer on 11-09-16
-
World War One: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. Listen to a concise history of World War One in just one hour. World War One brought with it the world’s first experience of Total War, involving all of the world’s great powers, polarized between the Triple Entente, led by Britain, France and Russia, and the Central Powers, dominated by Germany, Italy and Austria-Hungary. Around nine million men lost their lives in a conflict that introduced the horrors of trench warfare, machine guns, and toxic gas attacks.
-
-
An hour well spent
- By C. Whitehair on 29-04-18
-
Mussolini: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
‘Il Duce', Benito Mussolini, was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Famed for his dictatorial style, his political cunning and admired - initially - by Hitler, Mussolini led the National Fascist Party and ruled Italy as Prime Minister from 1922 until his ousting in 1943. In so doing, he paved the way towards Italy's defeat in World War Two, and some of the 20th century's most destructive ideologies and practices.
-
-
Not as bad as Hitler...
- By TheNameless on 08-04-19
-
The Afghan Wars: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Britain has invaded Afghanistan twice before in the nineteenth century. Both times tenacious Afghan fighters defended their country to humiliating British defeats. The Soviet Union also discovered what a tough enemy the Afghans are after nearly a decade of conflict from 1979 to 1989. When not fighting foreign invaders, Afghanistan was torn apart by Civil War from 1990 to 1996, resulting in victory for the Taliban.
-
-
Fascinating and tragic
- By TheNameless on 19-04-19
-
1914: History in an Hour
- By: Rupert Colley
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. In 1914 the world changed. Europe's great powers were dragged, one by one, into a war by Serbian conflict which affected very few of them directly. At least it would resemble the short sharp battles of the previous century, many thought - fought with military bands, horsemen, and swift victories.
-
-
Perfect overview in just one hour..
- By Salter on 06-05-17
-
The American Civil War: History in an Hour
- By: Kat Smutz
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History for busy people. The American Civil War was fought between the Confederates and the Union from 1861 to 1865. This is a concise history of this tumultuous period.The American Civil War started when eleven southern ‘slave’ states declared their independence from the United States of America. Abraham Lincoln’s Republican government were strongly against slavery and fought to abolish it and keep the country united.
-
-
Simply perfect
- By Arnaud_UK on 27-06-17
-
The Gunpowder Plot: History in an Hour
- By: Sinead Fitzgibbon
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
‘Remember, remember, the fifth of November’. The gunpowder plot is a famed tale of treachery that continues to fascinate and capture the imagination four hundred years on. The Gunpowder Plot in an Hour reveals the elaborate background to the infamous plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament and James I, the ultimate act of treason.
-
-
Love the 'History in an Hour' series
- By Jo on 22-10-19
-
The Korean War: History in an Hour
- By: Andrew Mulholland
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. Bringing together the military mights of the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United Nations States, the Korean War raged for three years from 1950 to 1953.
-
-
History in 2.25 hours!
- By TheNameless on 21-02-19
-
The Holocaust: History in an Hour
- By: Jemma J. Saunders
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. The Holocaust, in which 11 million people died, was the largest atrocity of the 20th century and perhaps the hardest to understand. Approximately 6 million Jews and 5 million others including Roma people, Poles, Russian prisoners of war, political prisoners, homosexuals, people of colour, Jehovah's Witnesses, and various other minorities were first persecuted and then murdered. How, both morally and logistically, had this came to happen?
-
-
A decent enough basic review but let down by bias.
- By Stephen Bailey on 09-09-16
-
JFK: History in an Hour
- By: Sinead Fitzgibbon
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. John Fitzgerald Kennedy: America’s youngest president. But, barely 1,000 days into his presidency, was he assassinated. JFK in an Hour provides a compelling and comprehensive overview of this man credited with introducing an aspirational new approach to American politics. Learn about the Kennedy family, the cast that propelled JFK to success despite family tragedy. Discover Kennedy’s talented diplomatic skills when navigating the Space Race, the nuclear missile crisis and his sympathies with the fledging civil rights movement.
-
-
Great!
- By Eliza on 21-12-16
-
1066: History in an Hour
- By: Kaye Jones
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. During the year 1066, England had three different kings and fought three huge battles in defence of the realm, including the bloody Battle of Hastings. The result was the Norman Conquest which defined England during the Middle Ages. 1066 in an Hour will guide you through the politics and personalities of the Norman invasion. It will help you understand why William the Conqueror was victorious and introduce you to the new king and subsequent ancestor to the Plantagenets and Tudors.
-
-
Excellent overview
- By Salter on 04-05-17
-
Churchill: History in an Hour
- By: Andrew Mulholland
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 1 hr and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sir Winston Churchill was a soldier, journalist, writer, Nobel Prize winner and, above all, a leader. Conservative then Liberal then Conservative again, his political instincts won him a sustained career at the summit of British government, while his resolve and politics of personality made him broadly regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century.
-
-
Interesting overview
- By TheNameless on 13-02-19
Summary
Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.
The Siege of Leningrad was one of the longest sieges in history and it inflicted some of the worst civilian casualties of World War Two. When Hitler declared his intention to obliterate the key city of Leningrad on 22 September 1941, he could not have foreseen the grim determination of its citizens. Over the course of 900 days, the city resisted the Germans pounding at its gates. Its survival contributed to the defeat of Nazism. But the price was heavy – over 1 million died in Leningrad from German bombs and artillery, or from disease, the cold or starvation.
In its suffering Leningrad became a source of symbolic national pride, of good conquering evil. The story of the siege is one of heroic resistance and stoical survival but it also one of unimaginable suffering and extreme deprivation.
The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour is essential reading for all history lovers.
Critic reviews
More from the same
What listeners say about The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- TheNameless
- 05-04-19
The resilience of a city
I knew virtually nothing about the siege of Leningrad before listening to this and I'm left with a view that encompasses the best and worst of humanity. What the people endured is beyond my understanding and the lengths they had to go to in order to survive fill me with horror. However, the strength and spirit they showed in order to pull themselves back at the first glimmer of hope was utterly remarkable and has my deepest respect. It's a tragedy that, after all they endured, they had to survive Stalin in the aftermath.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alan Coady
- 19-04-17
If you ever feel you had it rough...
Would you listen to The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour again? Why?
Yes, I would listen to this again. One reason is general: remembering details from audio books is more difficult that reading and so revisiting can be very helpful for remembering dates, names etc. The other is more specific: despite the harrowing events visited upon the citizens of Leningrad, reports of their stoicism are heart-warming. It makes you wonder how you'd bear up under similar conditions.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour?
Reports of the often unceremonious disposal of the remains of loved ones and, more alarmingly reports of cannibalism due to hunger really stuck out. Without ever having suffered such hardship, one shouldn't rush to judgement.
Which character – as performed by Jonathan Keeble – was your favourite?
Being a history book, the word 'character' does not mean the same as in, say, novels. Dmitri Shostakovich, who wrote the Leningrad Symphony certainly stands out. Many others also stand out for less honourable features such as incompetence and cruelty.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
...in war, don't expect help to arrive any day soon...
Any additional comments?
I find Jonathan Keeble a very suitable narrator for such historical books as this. He brings a necessary gravitas to the project.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lukasz Nowak
- 08-03-17
Terrifying...
No better story than a real-life story. Well written, well performed, very graphic and gripping. Good piece of history in a very short - perfect introductory for further study.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jake Blunt
- 02-09-16
Colley leads the way into a nightmarish world
Keeble's powerful narration brings Colley's excellent writing to life in this riveting exploration of Soviet Russia's greatest test. The hardships are brutally described and the suffering fully explained, with the fervor and burning loyalty of the party conveyed in full colour to contrast with the irrefutable inhumanity of the siege. A riveting hour, well worth the investment.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Myles
- 14-11-13
Salutary and succinct
Would you consider the audio edition of The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour to be better than the print version?
I've not had the option of reading the print version. but the audio edition allowed me to relax and learn at the same time.
What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)
Well, I knew what would happen? It was history, after all.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I did listen to it in one sitting.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Marcelo
- 19-11-14
history of one of at terrible episode of WW2
What made the experience of listening to The Siege of Leningrad: History in an Hour the most enjoyable?
good historical perspective
Who was your favorite character and why?
not aplicable
What aspect of Jonathan Keeble’s performance would you have changed?
put the north front in the perspective of the whole barbarosa operation
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
hunger in the former capital