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

The Side doesn't matter War is Hell

What did you love best about The Storm of Steel?

I'm not sure I loved anything about Storm of Steel. I feel the word love is out of place in this context. Storm of Steel is a view of World War One from a German soldier. I enjoyed the stark reality of what war is all about

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storm of Steel?

When the lead character first encounter death.

Which character – as performed by Charlton Griffin – was your favorite?

The Lead

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you're lucky you will just get wounded.

Any additional comments?

Very interesting view from the German side however the overwhelming tone is one of incredible violence which almost becomes the norm, without much sympathy for the individual. Well worth reading if your into the history of Early 20th Century Europe.

Good insightful book

Utterly amazing. Highly recommend it. It gave me insight into the human condition during an extremely brutal war

A must read for a different perspective

This book is an account of a conflict that continues to recede farther into history. Our last living links to this period are gone. We will soon forget what happened during these days except for major battles and turning points to be taught as passing interests in history classes.

Junger's first hand accounts describe a war and conditions so terrible that modern conflicts pale in comparison. However his point of view is interesting. He believes that war and conflict are an essential test of a man's character and in fact have the capability to bring out the very best qualities of men and nations.

Whether you agree or not, read this and understand what these men went through during these days. This book, among others of its time, help you discover a new appreciation for the fighting men of all generations who went to war so we don't have to.

Wonderful

The story of the war told through a German officer's eyes. Was very eye opening and simply put.... brilliant.
The reader could have put a bit more emotion into his voice especially when it was obvious that Junger was sad/angry.

Amazing

Sheds light on the German perspective much better than most novels. Loved all of it.

excellent

excellent excellent excellent what an incredible story. I think I may listen to it again. well written well performed.

Detailed account

First of all, great reading. The story is a great firsthand account of the German side-including battles like Passchendaele and the Somme. Trudges along a bit at times. Interesting and instructive that the author only questions the how and not the why of the war.

Great historical story from the German view point

I completely recommend this book to anyone interested in a soldiers view of ww1. Even better as it is from a Germans view.

Takes You In the Trenches

Any additional comments?

This is much like Eugene Sledge's With the Old Breed. It lacks the human interest of that work, but certainly offers much reality of WWI trench warfare.

Exceptional story, missed opportunity on narration.

I have read this book and purchased the audio book. The story is incredible and one that any history fan should know. I feel like the producers missed an opportunity with the authenticity of the story. Having a narrator with a German accent would have made this perfect. The narrator did a great job and I enjoyed his performance. That said, having a narrator with a regal English accent drew the listener away from the fact that this was a German story.