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)

Amazing Book

Amazing book, must be read by all to understand the horrors brought by the Germans, and how we should never let a dictator so terrible rise again. Beautifully read as well.

An engrossing, definitive work, perhaps flawed.

While comprehensive and exhaustive, the author is guilty of occasional over-editorializing, potentially obscuring the picture.

Incredible information

The vast amount of information contained within this book is astounding. It succeeded it giving a description of how Hitler came to power and ultimately fell. First hand accounts and released documents help complete the narrative. For anyone looking for a more in depth picture of the rise and fall of Hitler this is a great book.

Learn from our History

I think every school kid should read this book because we, as a nation and a society should remember the horrors and depravity that human beings are capable of, and to ensure that such evil never rears its head again.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer recounts the history of Nazi Germany in exquisite, and at times excruciating, detail. Make no mistake, this is not light reading. The author, William L. Shirer was a correspondent in Vienna and Berlin during the reign of the Nazis and recalls his own personal experiences along with citing an extensive list of scholarly works and of course myriad documents captured from the Nazis themselves. There were times that I, a college educated man, found myself looking up words that are no longer part of our vernacular, at least in my social circle. At other times I felt physically ill as Shirer masterfully told the history of the many horrors of World War II's European theater. I would say this book is one of the definitive histories on Nazi Europe and a must read for everyone.

With regards to Grover Gardner's performance as narrator I'll just say he was phenomenal. Perfect pronunciation of tricky French and German words and names was a given in this narration.

I recommend this book to just about anyone. Just please understand that its subject is heavy and often horrifying but all the more important for it. These events happened less than 80 years ago and I feel it's important for people to remember what precipitated a war that cost 60 million people their lives.

Incredible! Great Investment!

Easily the best and most detailed history of the Nazi era. I thought I knew a ton about the Third Reich! Truth is I learned much more after listening to this intense and well written (read) audio book. The Narration was perfect as well. Invest in this book!!!! Easily the best investment you will make if you love history and war history.

Insightful book

Fantastic insight and gives perspective on current events, though not the perspective mainstream media would want you to have..

untouchable

by far the most complete text on the history of Nazi Germany from their viewpoint.

Definitely a must read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I think everyone should read this one - it should be required in all high schools as part of history classes. The parallels between the past and the current USA is frightening.

Any additional comments?

Though there are some bits that are kind of dry the book is fascinating and interesting. I'm a bit of a WWII buff and there were things in this book I was unaware of. Fascinating read all around.

Worth it...

Firstly, to addresss the length question, while a long book, it holds your attention throughout. More importantly, simply one of the best (and most important) pieces of history I have had the pleasure to read.

All History Buffs Should Hear This

This is an amazing tour de force. Written in the decade after WW2, the author had access to a multitude of information. After all the Germans were great at bureaucracy!

It took me over a month to listen to all 50+ hours and I was never bored or tempted to switch books.