The Storm of Steel

By: Ernst Jünger

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 9 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

This classic war memoir, first published in 1920, is based on the author's extensive diaries describing hard combat experienced on the Western Front during World War I. It has been greatly admired by people as diverse as Bertolt Brecht and Andre Gide, and from every part of the political spectrum.

Hypnotic, thrilling, and magnificent, The Storm of Steel is perhaps the most fascinating description of modern warfare ever written. Out of the maelstrom of World War I emerge scenes which could have come straight from Dante's Inferno. Once you begin listening, you cannot stop. And it never relents: nerve pounding bombardments, agonizing gas attacks, sudden death that takes down a comrade next to you, and the occasional weeks of relief to restore the spirit when leave is granted to visit some attractive French village...all enveloped in the ghostly confusion of war.

Ultimately, survival comes down to sheer luck. Jünger displays no anger toward his enemies, and near the end he grows fatalistic and weary, even as he redoubles his resolve and maintains his patriotism. Jünger's great book calmly conveys the mysterious attraction of war, the exhilaration of battle, and the undeniable glory of brave men. But he also describes the scenes of soldiers preparing for battle as though they were "some terrible, silent ceremonial that portends human sacrifice."

Public Domain (P)2010 Audio Connoisseur

Outstanding!

An absolute must for a historic read and view into the life of a ww1 soldier. Otherworldly.

Trenches

I felt like I was in the trenches. Really makes you feel you are there with him.

a different perspective than remarque

This book was, much like other stories of world War one, harrowing and gruesome. but to see the war from the perspective of an officer and one who holds his love of country until the end is really an interesting point of view.

A classic book with great detail

This book is written/spoken in the style you'd expect from a early century author. But the detail of condition,battle and it's aftermath is spot on.
This book is really good.

favorite book

such a good read. will read again and again. well written and performed. mmmm mmmm

Stunning

The story helps make the war real on a personal level. It’s amazing to think one man endured so much. There are a million stories like this all through the war but non so well described. Those poor souls. Well narrated. I listened for 9 hours straight hanging on every word. I’d recommend to all

Military History Must Have

If you have the slightest interest in war, combat, battle or anything of that nature, you should have this in your library.

This is similar to Sledges book With The Old Breed but also very very different for a variety of reasons.

Jünger viewed his war as an adventure during which he discovered things about himself, politics, nationalism and life in general. He was just as revolted by the horrors of war but it never broke his spirit or his drive to live on the edge.

His perspective is very unique as it gives a glimpse to the minds of those men who actually enjoyed the risk of dying, getting shot, or hand to hand combat where most other works about the First World War focus on the how terrible the conditions were, and how pointless it all was.

Jünger gives his argument that the men who fell did not die for nothing. As a first hand account, I loved how his story gets right to the thick of it all. If you are interested in military history, WWI, or anything even close to this; then yes Storm of Steel is an excellent book.

Adventurous!

Listen to this audio book to hear the story of one of the luckiest men in the early 1900s.

Amazing! A must read

Places you in the trenches in some of the greatest battles in history. Junger is one of the most interesting figures of the 20th century. Heroic, intelligent and real. Cannot recommend this book enough. You cannot believe the detail, the struggle and reality of soldiers in ww1

Perspective!

It is fascinating to hear the First World War from a German officer's perspective, and Ernst Jünger tells it so well -- only regrettably, in translation. However even there I am transported to the trenches with him and his men. The narration is excellent although it does not necessarily fit my imagination of Jünger's voice.