The Second World War: Alone

By: Sir Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

"After the first forty days we were alone," writes Churchill. This edition is part two of Churchill's own abridgement of his original six-volume history of the Second World War.

Please note: This book was originally published in six volumes:

1. The Gathering Storm
2. Their Finest Hour
3. The Grand Alliance
4. The Hinge of Fate
5. Closing the Ring
6. Triumph and Tragedy

Churchill then condensed these into four volumes, which have since been released as one, rather hefty, publication. This is an unabridged recording of Churchill's condensed volume, broken up into four parts, as follows:

1. Milestone to Disaster
2. Alone
3. The Grand Alliance
4. Triumph and Tragedy

©2008 The Estate of Winston Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Succinct it most definitely isn't, but then if your legendary bulldog-breed leadership had won the war you'd probably take your time about it. It was originally published in six volumes (now you see why Norman Stone is the lick), but Churchill himself abridged it to four, each lasting around 10 hours. I meant to get Volume 1, but never mind - I'm riveted by events between March 1940 and July 1941, especially Hitler's detailed plans to invade Britain by laying a narrow corridor of mines under the Channel. Though without Christian Rodska's wonderful voice - dare one say it's better than Churchill's - I might just have dozed off during the statistical bits."( The Guardian)

No Idea how much the Brits did

This is a real eye opener for me, an American, brought up on the idea that the US won the war against Germany. Here, in the great man's words, we certainly learn that Great Britain was the great bulwark against the Nazi's. To hear Christian Rodsda's narration feels like the new clips of Churchill's speaking voice.. i wonder if he did any speech pattern study before embarking on these four "World War Two" books.

I've come to appreciate Churchill's foresight before the war, his study and thought of what might be coming and his preparation. What a wonderful confidence, not overburdening, but certainly not shy. Here is probably the most key individual in the entire war from the Western perspective telling the story shortly after the events. It's a must read/listen for any student of recent history.

History of WWII told very well!

This is book #2 of "The Second World War" series. I loved this book as much as I did Book 1. It's a lot of history to take in, but I'm so glad that I listened to it. The next book that I am listening to is Book 3 of the series. The narrator so far has been the same narrator as book number 1. He's a great narrator. He as a narrator and Winston as a writer, together combine to make it feel as if Winston Churchill was talking to me personally.

Great

I started this series as one of those that I felt I must read for intellectual and historical completeness but I kept putting if off for Gabriel Allon, Jack Reacher, and like stories. Well half way through book one I purchased the rest and can't stop listening.

Exiting words performed wonderfully.

Churchill writes from a perspective unique and with personal experience gained in WWI. The relationships are described with vibrance. His predictions show how well he understands politics and human nature.

great!!

Great story - great production - I definitely recommend this book on tape. very enjoyable

It's like afternoon tea with your grandfather...

...if your grandfather was Winston Churchill and he was telling you the story of his life, which included leading the largest empire in the world through the pivotal events of the last hundred years.

Should be compulsory

Every student should have to listen to this - and they'd enjoy it. Churchill writes wonderfully but I think he dictated so this is perfect for an audio book. His turn of phrase is just brilliant. He gives respect where he could have condemned and his analysis is just excellent.

I normally don't like narration that is imitating the author. But Christian Rodska is just right for this role and he doesn't overdo the imitation but does it just enough "Winston" to work. His timing is wonderful.

There is a lot to learn from this, more than half a century after it was written.

History I can feel

OK, Churchill is my favorite leader of the 20th Century so I may be biased but to really understand how close the world was to being dominated by pure evil you need to read his books. And it is a lesson for today and all time we must not forget. All through history evil has tried to dominate and has from time to time in certain portions of the world. We must be ever vigilant to see it when it first appears and deal with it then. Had the Allies reacted to Hitler early in the 1930's, how many millions of people would not have died? He spelled out his plan in 1925. Churchill knew it. He spoke often and hard but others were deaf to the truth. History not only tells us what happened but gives us clues we should look for to prevent it happening again.

Excellent account of England's fortitude.

Thank God Churchhill was in charge of the war effort.
This should be required reading in our schools.
How soon we forget of the blood shed that was lost to defeat evil.

A Fascinating Story

Besides the fascinating story of what the British endured for a year, left virtually alone to combat the Nazis at the near-height of their power, is the added treasure of hearing the very words Churchill set to paper to chronicle what his country did in "their finest hour". It's easy to imagine sitting in Churchill's study, in some great leather chairs, cigar smoke in the air, and more than a hint of whiskey aroma. You ARE sitting there with the man, and he is generously telling you the story, in great detail, of a time when the world was not sure that could last. As Nelson, his cat, pads the floor, you become absorbed with one of the most crucial fights in all history