The Second World War: Alone

By: Sir Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

"After the first forty days we were alone," writes Churchill. This edition is part two of Churchill's own abridgement of his original six-volume history of the Second World War.

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. This is an unabridged recording of Churchill's condensed volume, broken up into four parts, as follows:

1. Milestone to Disaster
2. Alone
3. The Grand Alliance
4. Triumph and Tragedy

©2008 The Estate of Winston Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Succinct it most definitely isn't, but then if your legendary bulldog-breed leadership had won the war you'd probably take your time about it. It was originally published in six volumes (now you see why Norman Stone is the lick), but Churchill himself abridged it to four, each lasting around 10 hours. I meant to get Volume 1, but never mind - I'm riveted by events between March 1940 and July 1941, especially Hitler's detailed plans to invade Britain by laying a narrow corridor of mines under the Channel. Though without Christian Rodska's wonderful voice - dare one say it's better than Churchill's - I might just have dozed off during the statistical bits."( The Guardian)

Riveting

I selected the first volume of this series on a whim a few months ago. It was very good and interesting enough to prompt me to download the second in the series. This volume was simply stunning. The narrator could not be more perfect. He seems to become Churchill. In retrospect, the first volume suffers (understandably) from the requirement of recounting a wider timeline which gives a certain distance from the subject. This volume reads like a novel that unfolds step by step as Great Britain stands alone for roughly a year against the Axis in WWII. Highly, highly recommended.

Churchill on "Britain's Finest Hour"

If you could sum up The Second World War: Alone in three words, what would they be?

Frustrating (with hindsight, one can see mistakes unfolding and unresolved, which led to war)
Inspiring (to hear in detail of the privations endured by the British public while they persevered)
Detailed (Churchill documents the (in)actions undertaken by the British and French governments and their militaries during the period from 1940 - June 1941

Who was your favorite character and why?

The average Brit, who refused to be pounded into mental rubble, even as his cities were bombed, his rations cut, his political freedoms sacrificed for causes he believed just.

Which character – as performed by Christian Rodska – was your favorite?

The only "character" Mr Rodska performed was the author, Winston Churchill.

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

Their finest hour was months long.

Any additional comments?

The European democracies sought to appease a brutal dictatorship under the mistaken belief the dictator would be honest and placated by accession to his demands. Dictators aren't honest and are never placated. Too bad the West hasn't learned this lesson.

Outstanding and Illuminating

Loved it...reading this account shows the effectiveness, courage, and tenacity when a nation wars Alone.

good, but watch out for the others

Be careful when you order any of these volumes. Volume 1 has irritating and distracting music behind the narration. The ones narrated by Roska are all probably okay.

One of best books about WWII

Memories of W. Churchill is one of best first hand stories from WWII. I love how he approacheed hursh conditions and made his decisions in best interest of country and people.

History comes alive

What does Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Rodska imbues the narrative with a certain bulldog tenacity, passion and colour that I imagine Churchill might recognise

Finding hidden depths

Not having read any of Churchill's works before I found this excellent. The narration is very life like which helps you to hear, as if from the man himself. Also the inside views on strategic events during the war is eye opening. Surely this was a man living out his destiny. Although a keen WWII amatuer historian I found the depth of background information and political insight very very helpful in expanding my understanding of the events that aren't often discussed today.
An excellent listen

Christian Rodska is a brilliant narrator

The 6 volume history of Churchill requires a narrator who can present the tension, sadness, interest and frustration the author felt during those tumultuous days.

Christian Rodska Brings it out very well.

I give the author himself only 3 points because:
1) Self-propaganda. Churchill's self promotion makes Kim Kardashian blush.
2) Forgets to include the India's contribution to the war: Over 10 million Indians died in WW2 in India, due to forced starvation by Churchill who shipped off food stuffs to feed his Empire. When asked, his cold reply was "Is Gandhi still alive?"
3) Winners write histories: Hitler was neither a madman nor a megalomaniac as portrayed. If he was a bumbling fool, how did he outwit so many nations and almost USSR to its knees? Why did German people support him even in 1945? Fear? Not likely.

Amazing. it sounds like your listening to Churchil

Amazing. it sounds like your listening to Churchil himself. Fascinating book, at times alternatingly moving and funny.

A great listen.

The narrator makes you feel that Churchill is telling the story of the Second World War in your car. It is also a great insight into the essence of leadership and decision making. And the opposite. Today's leaders look more like those of the 1930s than Churchill. Worthy insights abound.