The Arms of Krupp

1587-1968

By: William Manchester

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Length: 48 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

In this narrative of extraordinary richness, depth, and authority, America's preeminent biographer/historian explored the German national character as no other writer has done. The Arms of Krupp brings to life Europe's wealthiest, most powerful family, a 400-year German dynasty that developed the world's most technologically advanced weapons, from cannons to submarines to antiaircraft guns; provided arms to generations of German leaders, including the Kaiser and Hitler; operated private concentration camps during the Nazi era; survived conviction at Nuremberg; and wielded enormous influence on the course of world events. William Manchester's galvanizing account of the rise and fall of the Krupp dynasty is history as it should be written - alive with all its terrifying power.

©1968 William Manchester (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Manchester!

Manchester is the best and the story of Germany thru the Krupp lens is fascinating

Superb history and journalism

This book is an exceptional history which brings the past alive. I had wanted to buy this as soon as it came out but I was put off by other reviewers who reported a missing section. This error has been fixed as far as I can tell. Many people complain about the heavy use of German but translations are provided for almost everything and one wonders why you would read this dense study of a German family without at least some rudimentary German skills. The reader's pronunciation is good in most spots but he curiously mispronounces Gebiet every time he says it. The scattered French in the book is the only foreign language that goes untranslated every time. I felt like this book helped me understand the Prussian state better and its involvement in world affairs from 1860s to the post war era. Fabulous reading when read in concert with the book about the history of the Prussian state.

Big great Manchester Book but A.I. narrator?

The writer, subject and book are excellent.

But the he narrator sounds like he/it might be either AI, a robot / or just contains portions which are badly edited in post.

Fantastic story and narration

This book follows the Krupp family in fantastic detail and precision. The narration is flawless and the fact that german words and phrases are sprinkled in to the text gives the book extra spice. Overall fantastic reading and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in German history.

Classic

No other book will ever tell this story so well. That Manchester dug in and stood his moral ground at a time when Nazi apologism was politically expedient and culturally ubiquitous is part of what makes this book definitive and timeless.

Long but interesting

Fascinating overview of a powerful German family. Long and detailed but very interesting, particularly if you like WWI and WWII stories.

The Arms of Krupp

A compelling story well told. It takes many hours to listen to the Audiobook version, but it is time well spent.

What a terrible narrator!

What did you love best about The Arms of Krupp?

Unusual history.

What did you like best about this story?

The international aspect of Krup contracts and the details about the family.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His German pronunciation seems affected and clumsy. His pronunciation of the word Krup* was completely distracting. Every time he said Kkkkkruuup, unlike any person I have EVER heard, in Germany or America, I lost my place. It was very distracting and actually interfered and interrupted my listening. English or American pronunciations of foreign titles, names, or places always annoy me - especially when the correction is simple - but this guy is in a class all his own. He almost manages to roll the K; I can't believe the editors or people helping him record this didn't say something. I can only assume they don't speak German and never hear it spoken.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

Comprehensive.

a brilliant work on a difficult subject.

Enormous work, precisely documented, with clear statements, and deep and honests analysis. A necessary book to better understand the potentialy devastating power of certain multinational concerns on our democracies. Thanks very much to the autor.

Incredible story well told

Best narration ever. Fantastic story. A classic incredibly well researched. I highly recommend even if you don’t think the topic would interest you.