The Somme

The Darkest Hour on the Western Front

De: Peter Hart

Narrado por: Mark Ashby

The Somme: these words conjure the image of war rigidly fought by traditional means even when catastrophe clearly loomed. Relying on personal testimonies never before published, this study of those who survived the first day of battle (July 1, 1916) captures this epic conflagration from all angles. Follow the action as soldiers crawl across No Man’s Land in the face of German guns, struggle with the conditions in the trenches, and survey the scene from the air as the RFC tries to control the skies above the battlefield.

©2008 Peter Hart (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Unfathomable horror

There is no battle, or rather battles, that compare to the Somme. The death toll is unconscionable on both sides. Peter Hart brings the battle full circle, making the reader feel like a stunned bystander. And with this, taking it in is slightly more possible. Mark Ashby’s narration is spot on, not overly morose, but just right. The Somme is humanity at its worst, best, and somewhere in the middle.

Good history of an important battle

Balanced and well presented, this narrative is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of the words and stories of the combatants- both British and German

The human aspect of war

this book does an excellent job of bringing the numbers to life. I would highly recommend it!

The Somme kaleidoscope

An intense moment in history layed before you by the world treasure that is Peter Hart.

Western Front’s bloodiest battle

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this while driving back and forth to work. World War I has captivated my imagination ever since I read the autobiography of Harry Patch, “The Last Tommy”. Peter Hart captures the misery, the horror, and the soldiers perspective of this battle. I highly recommend this book.

A brutal war!

This was a spectacular audiobook detailing the lives and struggles of the British soldiers during WW1

Unending horror

This book feels like you are listening to someone bashing their head against a brick wall repeatedly hoping to break through.

A tale of brutal war!

Awesome book! This is a must for those who are intrested in ww1.
Just puck it up you ent regret it.

Wow

The story of the Battle of the Somme is thoroughly woven with personal accounts. A vivid telling. I came to realize the sounds and smells of the conflict. My heart goes out to all those that experienced the battle.

Detailed history but clearly presented

This book Somme, is a detailed history of a very complex battle. However, the author tells the story through the words of hundreds of ordinary soldiers, who participated and in doing so also makes this battle history, dramatic, heart-breaking and yet clearly understandable. Also the narrator does a wonderful presentation.7