The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster

By: Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Churchill's history of the Second World War is, and will remain, the definitive work. Lucid, dramatic, remarkable for its breadth and sweep and for its sense of personal involvement, it is universally acknowledged as a magnificent reconstruction. 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. Audible has published the unabridged recordings of Churchill's condensed volume, divided into four parts, as follows:

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

©1959 Cassell and Co. Ltd; 1990 the Esate of Winston Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Absolutely fabulous

Here is the Masterpiece of the Mastermind. It feels as if the author himself narrated it. Superb performance thanks to Christian Rodska and premium content which every child, every man, and every politician should listen to and learn.

Great Book -- A War That Could Have Been Prevented

What did you love best about The Second World War?

The shocking revolation of how easy it would have been in the mid 1930s to prevent the war from happening.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Second World War?

This book was principally about the prelude to the Second World War.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodska’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He becomes Churchill. The perfect reader or should I say performer.

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

Impossible.

Any additional comments?

They say peoples who don't study history are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. This book clearly demonstrates that pacifism caused WWII when faced by an unprincipled dictator who was only concerned with his tribe and not humanity as a whole.

Brilliant

Authoritative and gripping! Narrator sounds like Churchill and reads wonderfully. Highly recommended for those interested in WW2

History from the horse's mouth

I don't know how you can beat the first person telling of history, especially when that person made the history to which he speaks. The background to his actions, the perspective Churchill brings, so elegantly written, is a classic for the ages and a gift to humanity. Churchill knew he was creating a legend in himself, but he also knew how important its aim to stand history correct and accurate.

That said, I think WWII history still begins with William Shirer, an American journalist in Nazi Germany.

A different POV

Author gives a different, eloquent, and engaging look inside the events of WW2. The author wasn’t entirely truthful at times, but his eloquence and innate storytelling ability makes up for any small factual inaccuracies.

Exquisite, awe-inspiring. A new favorite.

This audiobook repaid many experimental purchases which have proven unworthy. It is majestic, insightful, and wonderfully autobiographical. Winston Churchill recounts the pre-war years from a vantage near (but not at) the top, and as an influential leader with many burdens and cares, his intimations of fear and regret are very moving. There is a reason he was voted #1 in the BBC's "100 Greatest Britons" in 2002, above Shakespeare, Newton and Darwin, and it is a treat to listen, wrapped, as if seated with the great man as he recounts his celebrated exploits first-hand.

Churchill's prose is often muscular and warlike, as was the man himself, despite his pinched voice and stature. Thus I think Christian Rodska has done a better job of narrating this work than the author could have. Who needs fiction with such grand history? As Churchill's closing lines declare, "Facts are better than dreams."

You will be intrigued, frightened, inspired. You will get chills.

Outstanding

This is a great read (listen). The Narrator, besides being excellent sounds exactly like Churchill!!! Winston Churchill was a master wordsmith so combine the great narration with one of the best authors in history and you have a 5 star book. History buffs this is a must... can't wait to listen to Book #2 "Alone".

Eye Opening Lesson On WWII

Excellent listen . . . and lesson on the world events leading up to and into the second world war . . . there was much that I didn't know, and much that could have been avoided, if only governments would have been smarter, less politically motivated, and better prepared.

Excellent!

A unique perspective from a giant of 20th century leadership. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Very well read, entertaining.

Excellent performance by the narrator

Loved the book, the narrator gives an excellent performance capturing the author perfectly. I h