The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster

By: Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Churchill's history of the Second World War is, and will remain, the definitive work. Lucid, dramatic, remarkable for its breadth and sweep and for its sense of personal involvement, it is universally acknowledged as a magnificent reconstruction. 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. Audible has published the unabridged recordings of Churchill's condensed volume, divided into four parts, as follows:

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

©1959 Cassell and Co. Ltd; 1990 the Esate of Winston Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Great

I thoroughly enjoyed the perspective of Churchill. As an American, the story of the Second World War is too often told through the lens of Pearl Harbor, with a nod toward Chamberlain as a cartoonish appeaser and Churchill as a bulldog in a derby hat, and not much more.

The narration conjures up the voice of Sir Winston well, though admittedly this can be a bit tiresome. I enjoyed the touch overall.

The lives that could have been saved

What did you love best about The Second World War?

Winston Churchill's knowledge of what was transpiring was quite extensive. You can see some similarities with more current situations of the last 20 years or so. Sometimes it is better to stand up to a tyrant from the start as it sets up the direction your future relationship will take. This is often the advice given children when trying to deal with a bully in school.

Who was your favorite character and why?

You have to love Winston. Sometimes he comes off as pretentious but mostly he is humble about his part in the affairs leading up to WWII.

Any additional comments?

Great reading by the narrator, British accent and all.

Absolutely superb

I have already listened to all of the volumes of" The History of the English Speaking Peoples ". That was wonderful but this is better. Quite extraordinary wr


iting and wonderful narrator. I am thoroughly looking forward to the other 3 books.

Exquisite, awe-inspiring. A new favorite.

This audiobook repaid many experimental purchases which have proven unworthy. It is majestic, insightful, and wonderfully autobiographical. Winston Churchill recounts the pre-war years from a vantage near (but not at) the top, and as an influential leader with many burdens and cares, his intimations of fear and regret are very moving. There is a reason he was voted #1 in the BBC's "100 Greatest Britons" in 2002, above Shakespeare, Newton and Darwin, and it is a treat to listen, wrapped, as if seated with the great man as he recounts his celebrated exploits first-hand.

Churchill's prose is often muscular and warlike, as was the man himself, despite his pinched voice and stature. Thus I think Christian Rodska has done a better job of narrating this work than the author could have. Who needs fiction with such grand history? As Churchill's closing lines declare, "Facts are better than dreams."

You will be intrigued, frightened, inspired. You will get chills.

Outstanding

This is a great read (listen). The Narrator, besides being excellent sounds exactly like Churchill!!! Winston Churchill was a master wordsmith so combine the great narration with one of the best authors in history and you have a 5 star book. History buffs this is a must... can't wait to listen to Book #2 "Alone".

Eye Opening Lesson On WWII

Excellent listen . . . and lesson on the world events leading up to and into the second world war . . . there was much that I didn't know, and much that could have been avoided, if only governments would have been smarter, less politically motivated, and better prepared.

Excellent!

A unique perspective from a giant of 20th century leadership. Looking forward to the rest of the series. Very well read, entertaining.

Excellent performance by the narrator

Loved the book, the narrator gives an excellent performance capturing the author perfectly. I h

Darrell

Narration was excellent. Very interesting most of the time. Dry in some spots. Inside information I had not known.

Outstanding!

Where does The Second World War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The entire series provides a fascinating view of the person of Winston Churchill, and the war from the British standpoint. Also the narrator is picture perfect! I don't usually read history (I'm a fiction fan most of the time) but I must say, this was one of the most informative series (I listened to all 4 in a row) I have ever read. Well worth your time!