The Second World War

By: Antony Beevor

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

Length: 39 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Over the past two decades, Antony Beevor has established himself as one of the world's premier historians of World War II. His multi-award winning books have included Stalingrad and The Fall of Berlin 1945. Now, in his newest and most ambitious book, he turns his focus to one of the bloodiest and most tragic events of the 20th century, The Second World War.

In this searing narrative, which takes us from Hitler's invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939 to V-J day on August 14th, 1945, and the war's aftermath, Beevor describes the conflict and its global reach - one that included every major power. The result is a dramatic and breathtaking single-volume history that provides a remarkably intimate account of the war that, more than any other, still commands attention and an audience.

Thrillingly written and brilliantly researched, Beevor's grand and provocative account is destined to become the definitive work on this complex, tragic, and endlessly fascinating period in world history. It confirms once more that he is a military historian of the first rank.

©2012 Antony Beevor (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Best WWII history book I've ever read

Voice actor takes a little to get used to, but once you do it's a great audio book.

If you want to learn about wwii you should read Antony Beevor. I put this book up there with "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich"

Maximally enjoyable for WWII buffs end-to-end

What did you love best about The Second World War?

A wonderfully written and thorough history of the War, read magnificently. Sean Barrett not only speaks melodious and extremely clear "English English," but is a master of other European languages as well. When he speaks a German, French or Russian name, he does it in German, French or Russian - adding much to the enjoyment of the listener.The book itself is a continuum of small stories which, in their aggregate, give a total picture of the horrors or WWII. Mr. Beevor calls it like it is - no favoritism whatsover, whether to Ike, Monty, De Gaulle, Stalin, Churchill or Roosevelt. I have read (or listened to) other WWII histories, but none was as exceptional as this one. I give much credit to the reader for holding my attention (even while driving).

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

Beevor's description of the Holocaust, although necessarily short, gave one of the best pictures I've read. His blow-by-blow tales of each of the major WWII battles makes you feel like you were there.

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

He brings the book to life!

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

The film would last days!

Magnificent, Engaging, But Not Definitive

In spite of the publisher’s extravagant claim, this book falls short of “definitive”. And that’s not a slam; given the sheer magnitude of the subject, no single book could be definitive. However, having read much on the far-flung theaters of the war, this superb narrative, punctuated by clear-eyed opinions and assessments, helped me stitch together all those details into one coherent picture.

The sketch of the prelude to war seems somewhat perfunctory, but as the conflict widens Beevor hits his stride. He has a lot of ground to cover, so detailed battlefield maneuvers largely go by the board, replaced by cogent critiques of each operation. While this makes for easier listening, the lack of downloadable maps means full enjoyment requires at least a passing acquaintance with the geography of the different theaters.

Like any good historian, Beevor humanizes his narrative with telling quotes and anecdotes while still managing to take in just about every aspect of the struggle, from the suffering of occupied Europe to the importance—and the horrors—of that oft-forgotten conflict, the Sino-Japanese War. He reveals aspects of the Eastern Front I’ve never encountered before, like the Red Army’s sexual exploitation of its female soldiers. The evolution of the “final solution” is traced with as much precision as is possible on that shadowy subject. In a typical instance of his hard-nosed analysis, Beevor underlines the number of doctoral degrees among the architects of that “solution”, a reminder that high intellect is no guarantee of moral rectitude.

Blunt assessments of Allied and Axis leadership, made even blunter by the rapid pace of the narrative, ring true to my previous reading—especially his contrast of Roosevelt (brilliant, cold, calculating) and Churchill (brilliant, sincere, sentimental). The “Rommel myth” gets a severe overhaul, while Montgomery doesn’t fare much better. Nimitz merits respectful treatment; MacArthur not so much. The less said of Mark Clark, the better. And, as bad as Stalin was, he takes second place to Mao.

Having written exclusively on the European and Mediterranean theaters, it’s not surprising that Beevor’s work here reflects that focus. The Pacific gets covered, but not in the same detail or with the easy familiarity apparent elsewhere. But even with that caveat, this is still a five-star listen. And his brief concluding observations on the war's aftermath and aftershocks is an essential listen. Sean Barrett has long been one of my favorite readers. His grim, level-headed delivery is the perfect vehicle for the story of “the greatest man-made disaster in history”.

Anthony Beevor at his best

Very well done. A sad history of our world and the people who shaped it .

Excellent book and narration.

Best history of WW2 since Shirer’s “Rise and Fall.” This history offers More specific Information on the logistics of the war and on leaders’ thinking. Great narrator. Thanks...

Really liked it

This was a pretty in-depth book about World War 2 it does seem to spend a lot of time on the atrocities of the sides involved more so then the battles that took place, But it is still very interesting.

Very well researched and written

After spending countless hours hearing SEVERAL LONG books chronicling the events of the second World War; I can say that this book is one of the best if not the best one I have heard. The Author is critical of EVERY participant in the entire conflict! I feel it is a well balanced book that gives a realistic picture of what went on to the degree it can be known. VERY long (typical of this kind of book), but worth the time!

Well done

Loved it. Lots of detail workout beginning boring or monotonous. Barrett and Beevor are an incredible pair. I'll be listening to this again in the future!

Best single WWII Book

Short perhaps on a lot of details in comparison to tomes such as Richard Atkinson’s, it nonetheless conveys many points not expressed in others I have read. I learned more things in the last chapter or two that I had never heard about in other books to almost make it worth the purchase. And the beginning also gives a great deal of insight into the German Officer Corps. Kudos to the author.

Outstanding!

When I started reading this book I did not think much of it, but as stayed the course I was richly rewarded. Of the many war books I’ve read this is the most reflective of the horrors of WW2. Sean’s narration is outstanding. The horrors of the Russian winter, the atrocities of the holocaust , the experience of p.o.ws I n Japanese captivity and the unimaginable suffering of soldiers and non-combatants
Is made clear in this book. Read it or listen to it. It is a sobering experience