The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

A History of Nazi Germany

By: William L. Shirer

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 57 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer’s monumental study of Hitler’s German empire has been widely acclaimed as the definitive record of the twentieth century’s blackest hours. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich offers an unparalleled and thrillingly told examination of how Adolf Hitler nearly succeeded in conquering the world. With millions of copies in print around the globe, it has attained the status of a vital and enduring classic.

Now, years after the end of World War II, it may seem incredible that our most valued institutions, and way of life, were threatened by the menace that Hitler and the Third Reich represented. Shirer’s description of events and the cast of characters who played such pivotal roles in defining the course Europe was to take is unforgettable.

Benefiting from his many years as a reporter, and thus a personal observer of the rise of Nazi Germany, and availing himself of some of the 485 tons of documents from the German Foreign Office, as well as countless other diaries, phone transcriptions, and other written records meticulously kept at every level by the Germans, Shirer has put together a brutally objective account of how Hitler wrested political control of Germany, and planned and executed his six-year quest to dominate the world, only to see Germany go down in flames.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is a vast, richly rewarding experience for anyone who wants to come to grips with the mysterious question of how this menace to civilization ever came into being, much less was sustained for as long as it was. The answer, unfortunately, is that most of Germany, for a whole host of reasons, embraced Nazism and the fanaticism that Hitler engendered.

©1990 William L. Shirer (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“One of the most important works of history of our time.” ( The New York Times)

”A splendid work of scholarship, objective in method, sound in judgment, inescapable in its conclusions.” ( The New York Times Book Review)

Long book

Good historical piece. Very long audio book. Pace moved slowly and methodically thought the material.

Wow

It's hard to describe the incredible quality and power of this work of research. A must read for anyone interested in the events of last century, or how modernity can be corrupted to the utmost evil. The length is more than worth it.

loved it

this book kept me interested and at the edge of my seat even though we know how the war ended.

Ponderous!

Enough detail to keep it fascinating. Organized in such a way that a person with a rather limited history background– – like myself – – could actually follow the progression chronologically. It was horrifying to see all of the times that Hitler might have been stopped were it not for someone's hesitancy. The world indeed has Winston Churchill, Britain and the USA to thank for its survival.

Deepdive into the grittyness of the third reich

What made the experience of listening to The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich the most enjoyable?

The fact that Shirer spent time in Germany in the prewar years really puts a unique and interesting perspective on the story. With great detail some of the international events of the prewar era is described splendidly with a human touch sucking you in, into not only a story but the history of what happened. The book is well scourced and gives a great and detailed insight to the machinations of the thousand year empire.

What other book might you compare The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich to and why?

There are no other books i would call similar, the blend of great detail, the personal perspective and the rigorous historical scourcing makes for a great and unique book.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Gardner gives a powerful performance never faltering no matter how pervertedly gruesome, and i do mean gruesome in the most severe sense of the word, the nazi brutallities described are.

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

Towards the end of the book the author spends some time vividly describing the quite frankly insane conditions of the concentration camps where i just had to stop listening. The experience was to harsh, the cruelty and the vivid imagery used by the book shook me to my core. I threw up listening to some of the worse parts.

Amazing

Phenomenal book!!! Modern journalists could learn how really reporting of the facts is done here.

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Very comprehensive & entertaining. This book goes back to the beginning of the Third Reich & follows the terror of WWII.

Great listen. But beware

If you could sum up The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in three words, what would they be?

This is an incredible telling of an extraordinary period of time in the 20th century. Very detailed and specific connecting

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

Grover is excellent. Giving character to what could be dry history.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The events at times can make me sick.

Rise and Fall...

Would you listen to The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich again? Why?

absolutely - great historical reference to Hitler's WWII

What did you like best about this story?

history and character descriptions - very well narrated

Which scene was your favorite?

all - is history

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

not possible due to length

Any additional comments?

eternally significant 'must read' to understand Hitler's Germany and his impact on the world

Worth the investment in time.

If you've wondered how and why WW2, you won't regret the time with this book.