A Time for Trumpets

The Untold Story of the Battle of the Bulge

By: Charles B. MacDonald

Narrated by: Traber Burns

On December 16, 1944, the vanguard of three German armies, totaling half a million men, attacked US forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg, achieving what had been considered impossible - total surprise. In the most abysmal failure of battlefield intelligence in the history of the US Army, 600,000 American soldiers found themselves facing Hitler's last desperate effort of the war.

The brutal confrontation that ensued became known as the Battle of the Bulge, the greatest battle ever fought by the US Army - a triumph of American ingenuity and dedication over an egregious failure in strategic intelligence. A Time for Trumpets is the definitive account of this dramatic victory, told by one of America's most respected military historians, who was also an eyewitness: MacDonald commanded a rifle company in the Battle of the Bulge. His account of this unique battle is exhaustively researched, honestly recounted, and movingly authentic in its depiction of hand-to-hand combat.

Mingling firsthand experience with the insights of a distinguished historian, MacDonald places this profound human drama unforgettably on the landscape of history.

©1985 Charles B. MacDonald (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Needs a better narrator

The book is comprehensive in scope and details. Even though it contained much more detail than I could absorb, it was exhaustive but interesting. As a textbook, it contained of wealth of information. However as an audiobook, with a monotonous narrator who frequently mispronounced and labored through names and locations, it was difficult to listen to. The written perspective switched frequently from the German to the Allied side. The narration made it more difficult to follow the change in perspectives.

A great account of the Battle of the Bulge

MacDonald gives a riveting close up account of soldiers fighting in horrendous conditions—many showing great personal bravery. He explains how key small unit engagements by intrepid American GI’s thwarted Nazi battle plans. As with most accounts of this battle, geographic locations can be confusing. So it was helpful for me to refer to maps of the battlefield to help me follow the action. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants both the broad picture of the battle, along with accounts of key individual engagements.

Outstanding history

This is a highly detailed account of the Battle of the Bulge, perhaps the greatest single battle in American history. It incorporates grand strategy with individual accounts of soldiers and small units to make it both interesting and comprehensive.

Captivating!

Loved it! A great tribute to the men and women who fought in the Ardenes in WWII. You can easily visualize every movement thanks to the skill of the narrator.

The U.S. Armies Finest Hour

Having grown up learning how the American Army panicked and ran during the initial assault I was happy to listen to a fair, informative and at times entertaining history. To say it was in depth is an understatement. He incorporates both sides and a truer picture of the events unfold. Having been in action at the Bulge, Mr. MacDonald brings a knowledge and passion which serves him and the reader/listener well
The only thing I could say negatively is that it should be read first, in book form as there is a lot of information and I am sure that there are maps etc. included in the printed version ( which I will be ordering).
Traber Burns performed very well. A sure sign that a performer has done well is when you can not think of anyone who could have done it better or as well. That is the case with Mr. Burns.

Bravo

Wonderful! In depth, detailed and informative, while maintaining an action packed entertaining pace.
Lcpl Craig Martin A Co 1/9

Amazing history

Needs maps. Shows American mistakes more than German. Friendly fire, Fog of war, done well. Individual histories done well. Overall an amazing recount of history that keeps you listening in spite of the length.

Very detailed

Would you consider the audio edition of A Time for Trumpets to be better than the print version?

Have not read the printed version.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

You would have to be a serious historian of The Battle of the Bugle to keep up with all of the locations mentioned. Printed might be better so you could take the time to look at WWll maps of the battle.

Reader struggled with French and German

Reader had a hard time with French and German words, detracted somewhat and was distracting

Battle Storyline​is a Hit

Loved the tell of the Battle, gripping details from the beginning to the end. was hard to follow the units moving in and out of towns and on road.
But overall a great read.