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)

Insightful, excellent, terrifying

This excellent reading of a terrifying chapter in world history should be required for anyone to understand the rise of nationalist authoritarianism in the world.

Erudite and fascinating presentation of the darkest period of the 20th century. Superb narration, too.

Erudite and fascinating presentation of the darkest period of the 20th century. Superb narration, too.

A must read

I don’t understand why we didn’t have to read this in school. Everyone should read or listen to this work.

In-Depth History of Nazi Germany

Just as the title indicates, this book gives a thorough description of the rise, the fall, and everything in between of Nazi Germany. Great book.

Well worth it

Excellent account of Nazi Germany.
This book is more about the Nazi hierarchy, politics, then battles.

Perfect

Just a wonderful book and very well read. Could not recommend it more highly than this.

Fascinating, Gripping, and a must read/listen.

Like most, I was intimidated by the 57 hour length, but now living in Germany for my second 3 year military assignment I felt compelled to experience this book which I will call an absolute masterpiece. Although I knew many of the details before hand, I was on the edge of my seat the entire way!
Grover Gardner’s narration was phenomenal and was easily consumed at 1.25x speed. I very highly recommend this book.

Very well written

Provides a lot to reflect on for the European wars of 2022. Very thorough & well written.

Great read

One of the most informative books I’ve read
Highly recommend to any history enthusiast -I couldn’t put it down

Impressive and detailed

I agree it is a lengthy read, but the significance of what has taken place needs to unfold as it was….. the details speak for themselves.