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.

His point of view is detailed and exciting.

I wanted to learn of the events leading up to and during WWII from the British perspective and have not been disappointed. If there's one persons point of view to learn from it would be from the big man himself.

WWII direct from the source

Where does The Second World War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Half of the books I've listened to are non fiction, with the greater part of that being history. I would rank this audio book in the top half of these.

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

While not what I originally chose this book for, I found Churchill's perspective on the home government rather illuminating. All taken with a pinch of salt as he was a politician.

What about Christian Rodska’s performance did you like?

Reading history with verve is tough. Since this book is written in the first person it gives the narrator some leeway to embellish. Rodska does this just enough to heighten the intimacy of the read.

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

Not at alll.

Any additional comments?

I recommend for those who already have a good knowledge of WWII. The book's value lies more in giving the reader the perspective of one individual who among very few who can lay claim to having been a principal player in shaping its outcome.

Its like hearing your father tell you a story

Just that in this case its Winston Churchill and its all the events leading to WWII. You'll finish this up from beginning to end and be wrapped up because its not like those boring books about history were its only facts and figures. This guy was living that, and living through it, all the events and decisions being taken. Who else could tell you a better story about it but Adolf himself I suppose.

It makes you wonder: if I was living in that time and watching events unfold like that, what kind of decisions I would be taking... and then you realise, well, there are things unfolding right now, so WHAT STAND ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE?

Stunning Parallels to current events

A cautionary tale for today's secular progressive. Insightful and respectful examination of Neville Chamberlain's foreign policy at the beginning.

Wow

I have always been a big fan of Winston Churchill from historical standpoint. But this book took it to a whole new level. As a writer, he is second to none. I found myself continually looking up words that he dearest and adding them to my own vocabulary, many for the first time. His understanding of the events and ability to form them in context makes this the finest history of World War II that I’ve ever read. Absolutely outstanding and I will certainly be moving on to books two and three.

a must for any history lover

definitely one of the best overviews of what led up to world war II and what had aspired on the British side coming up to mr. Churchill becoming prime minister

Great for history fans who are patient

Gets wordy at times, but that's the era more than anything else. You can't any more authentic than this first hand account of the events leading up to WWII and a bit into it. Ends with Winston Churchill becoming Prime Minister just as Belgium and the Netherlands are invaded.

Magnificent. A masterpiece of history

Many years ago I read the six volume series from which this four volume series was derived. I had forgotten how wonderful Sir Winston’s writing is. There are many great and classic books on WWII but this should be at the top of anyone’s list that has an interest in the event. Also, the reader is superb.

Unnecessary complex language

The story is good, the reader is great, but the language is too complex, sentences are too long and difficult to comprehend.

Amazing...

This is a fascinating history. With the war drums beating, you get to watch the Allies stumbling around trying to avoid war and dropping the ball again and again - again. Being told in the first person and narrated by a guy who sounds (to my naive ears) a lot like Churchill, it is a compelling narrative.