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)

Stunning in its scope, accessible in its form

This is an exceptional volume combining eye witness observations and historical source documents and it is beautifully read.

Magisterial must read (listen)!

Excellent Historical Observation

Great chronology of one of the most significant periods of human history. Told from the perspective of the journalist with a front row seat to the rise of Adolph Hitler and all of his enablers. Exceptional detail and depth without being at all tedious. Must read for any student of history.

wonderful book with one of my favorite narrators

as a fan if Dan Carlin and similar history podcasts, this audiobook scratches thr same itch. I highly recommend it.

Great history, better story teller

As I write this review, I can’t help to note the similarities between Hitler’s tactics and those of another totalitarian governor. It is not fair to compare the German people then with the Russian people now, yet the description of what drove the Germans to follow blindly their then ruler, sounds so similar to how Russians seem to blindly follow Putin now. These current events make the information contained with this book relevant. As the author says, this is why understanding history is important. Because it helps us understand better the present.

Excellent

Best audiobook I have ever listened to. Shirer and Grover do an excellent job at describing the indescribable

A warning

Scary. It gets a little ponderous about half way through, but it's well worth the trouble. I highly recommend this.

Incredible

I’m not one for long books over 18th but this was so riveting I was unable to stop listening until I completely all 57hrs. Worth it. Educate yourself on the pass

Incredible

A 58 hour page turner. The performance of Mr. Gardner is perfect. Well done all.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

A powerful book that has increased my knowledge of the malicious destruction of other countries by Adolph Hitler. The Germans appear to be a nation of obedient sheep under Hitler. It is my hope that the German nation is different today.

excellent detail

awesome book, long and detailed. it offers a window into one of the darkest times in human history.