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)

Eyewitness History told Expertly

Fantastic read. I found the first half of the book especially compelling. Shirer explains how Hitler came to prominence and the storm of events that resulted in him becoming Chancellor of Nazi Germany. He then takes us through the turning points of WW2 until the collapse of the regime. It's a long read, but very engaging. Strongly recommend.

this gives vivid awareness of surroundings

narrator is a bit slow but just set speed to 1.15 faster and it will be perfect...i felt all the the gore in this book and "special treatment of the Jews" and how it evolved to the last known procedures..

Epic

For being of astounding length, this book offers a historical recount that keeps the listener engaged throughout it's entirety.

Required Reading

I’m sure there isn’t much to add that hasn’t been said, but every person should read this. Getting to the epilogue took longer than I thought it would. I had to stop listening and come back a few times. Give a copy to your mayor and have a chat. ;$

Excellent History of Hitler & the Nazis

Everyone should read this history of the Nazi takeover of Germany, and it’s inevitable destruction. There are a few dated ideas, such as calling gay men perverts, but it doesn’t affect the quality of the history of this period in Germany.

Good book

Lengthy but good. Detailed and well researched. Recommended for those who like a deep look into the Subject.

Extremely Informative

This book provides valuable insight into the factors surrounding world war II. These are lessons that we must never forget!

Epic

This was a REALLY long book, and it was written 60 years ago. And it was the most riveting book I have listened to on Audio (Fiction or Nonfiction). Not once did I find my mind wandering. Obviously, the content was fantastic and informative, but it probably had just as much to do with the narrator, who always seemed engaged with the material. Just a great listen.

One of my favorite Audible books!

Written and narrated fantastically. I will use a credit to buy another William Shirer's book. Grover Gardner is one of my favorite narrator. History is the future, not of the past!

Superb historical narrative

This was well-researched, well written, and well recorded. Any student of WWII should read/listen to this book.