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.

Great

An amazing insight into the circumstances that led to the WWII. Churchill is the ultimate wordsmith and this book is beautifully read.

If you are interested in the war then this is an excellent purchase.

Stunning

Winston Churchill says in his Prologue that this book is not history--"that is for future generations"--but he is confident (and this man is nothing if not confident) that historians will find his accounts useful. An understatement.

The narrative fully supports the old adages that "hindsight is 20-20" and "history is written by the victors." That said, it is a stunning experience, a unique you-are-there account of the 1930s into which are immersed. We experience the growing sense of helpless dread as the decade progresses and Hitler becomes stronger, the leaders of depression-ravaged Europe contort themselves in denial, and war becomes inevitable.

History aside, this book is a literary masterpiece. Churchill's breadth of mind and stunning command of English prose is brought to vivid life by Christian Rodska. The sound-byte darlings and intellectual midgets of today's political scene need to sit back, listen, and maybe even learn.

Amazing, eloquent and surprising history

What made the experience of listening to The Second World War the most enjoyable?

The historical events, presented with sardonic humor and in great detail, along with Sir Winston's views of them, are just amazing to hear. And there are surprises here. Sir Winston explains how, in actual practice, the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles were NOT burdensome to Germany, and a few other gems that are uncommon among the common history of WWII. Also, quite incredible and enthralling are the events leading up to WWII, the desire for Pacifism, a noble goal, the growing machine of Blitzkrieg, and how ill timed and ill judged kindness and sentiment among nations who refused to see what was happening, led to disaster.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Sir Winston himself.

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

Rodska does a wonderful job as Sir Winston, and the various characters. His depiction is subtle, direct, powerful and sublime. He brings the entire world before you,Eminently easy to listen to, he communicates so much of the torment among civilized peoples struggling to realize that an unimaginable tyranny is developing in their midst. You feel the fear, and Sir Winston's frustration, as well as the insanity of Hitler and company.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when the Prime Minister of England, Neville Chamberlain, realizes that his recent years of effort towards peace were completely misguided. And as a great gentleman, his efforts to admit it publicly immediately, turn about and make change, but all too late. Yet, bound by his poor judgement, the errors continue to mount. It is a heart breaking moment when a well intentioned man, promoted beyond his capacity, fails his country and the world. Churchill and Rodska depict these moments with complete respect, but honors above all the truth and the desperation mounting at the time. Rodska, in his own brilliance, depicts Mr. Chamberlain's heartfelt sentiment, befudlement and shock at events, his resignation to honesty and duty, yet poor judgement. You hear a man of simplistic nobility surrounded by events he doesn't understand, yet, sticking to principle, tries to weather through. Rodska delivers a wonderful and moving performance.

What to know what Winston really thought?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this book to people who wanted to know about WWII and England's having to fight it alone.

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

For me, the memorable moments where the parts when Churchill had to figure out what to do next to save the country.

What about Christian Rodska’s performance did you like?

I really like his voice. It reminded me of Winston Churchill.

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

As for wanting to listen to it in one sitting, it would be a long sit for that. I can tell you that I found addition times to hear it. For me, it was very interesting.

Any additional comments?

As for additional comments, this was a great book. I hated to see it end. I did not know that it was part of a series. Boy I am glad it is. I am off to the next book and the book after that. I found the book very interesting and informative. It has my recommendation.

Classic Churchil As If He Were Taliking To You

Would you listen to The Second World War again? Why?

I will quite likely listen again. There is so much information in this story that it is hard to absorb it all the first time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Winston Churchill is THE character.

Any additional comments?

No one ever accused Winston Churchill of lacking an opinion or being overly modest. This is the story of how the World became ensnarled in the Second World War from his personal perspective. Although he tends to blow his own horn at times, Churchill's experience and understanding of world history in the first half of the 20th Century makes this both entertaining and educational. Christian Rodska manages to imitate his style of speech so well that you can really believe it is Churchill speaking.
I was born two months before D-Day in one of the English ports that was to become one of the embarkation points for D-Day. Growing up I was taught to have considerable respect for Churchill, so I might be a little biased.

Best History Book I've Ever Read

I have never enjoyed learning about history as much as this! I recently listened to another performance by Christian Rodska (Fear Index) so I was worried that the narration may not have a big impact on me. I was wrong! He is perfect to read Churchill in everyway.
The greatest thing about reading non fiction is how easy it is to relate to 'characters' because you know they're real people making real life decisions. Not only is Churchill a real person but he was THE person in a perfect position to give an amazing overview of one of the most important events in modern history. Being able to follow his path through so many extraordinary situations and visualize his process of making national decisions that shaped the world today is a privilege.
I lived in the UK for most of my life so I am well schooled in WW2, or so I thought. So many details, both big and small, are brought to light in Churchill's personal account of the build up to the war. After I finished this book, I immediately got the 2nd book to carry on the experience ... and I'm looking forward to finishing the complete series!
This is definitely one of my favorite non fiction books/series of all time.

Great historical book

The was a great book to learn and understand wwII history. It is just a timeline of facts listed from the eyes of winston churchill. No story to the book and a very dry read.

Sir Winston

Sir Winston speaks for himself. Buy it, listen to it, learn something, for heaven's sake.

A must read - to learn from the past is key to move forward

Churchill being cast out after ww1 and brought back to ww2 in a full leader role reminds all of us that the time needs to fit the person. Between battles are style may not be the best to lead a company or a country - Churchill documents this leading up to war and comments in the leaders around him. Great coaches and leaders in industry should all listen to this audio to build supporting partners to leverage based on the cycles in our global community.

Great to listen to!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would most recently recommend it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the insight, the vocabulary, the choice of words and overall filter of the narrator, who of course is Winston Churchil!

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

The voice of the narrator is GREAT! It's like hearing Winston Churchil reading his book to you!

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

Strongest reality wins!

Any additional comments?

I listen to it again and again. It's just kind of puts me on right mindset!