Hitler

Downfall: 1939-1945

By: Volker Ullrich, Jefferson Chase - translator

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 29 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939 - a riveting account of the dictator's final years, when he got the war he wanted but his leadership led to catastrophe for his nation, the world, and himself

In the summer of 1939 Hitler was at the zenith of his power. The Nazis had consolidated political control in Germany, and a series of foreign-policy coups had restored Germany to the status of a major world power. He now embarked on realizing his lifelong ambition: to provide the German people with the resources they needed to flourish and to exterminate those who stood in the way. Yet despite a series of stunning initial triumphs, Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union in 1941 turned the tide for good.

Now, Volker Ullrich offers fascinating new insight into Hitler's character and personality, vividly portraying the insecurity, obsession with minutiae, and narcissistic penchant for gambling that led Hitler to overrule his subordinates and then blame them for his failures; and, ultimately, when he realized the war was not winnable, to embark on the annihilation of Germany itself in order to punish the people who he believed had failed to hand him victory. This is a masterful account of a spectacular downfall, and an essential addition to our understanding of Hitler and the Second World War.

©2018 Volker Ullrich and Jefferson Chase (P)2021 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Important

Germany in the time of Adolph Hitler should be comprehended by all Americans so as to understand the parallels to the contemporary situation in the (dis)United States; and thus to take warning!

What a biography!

This is the second volume of the engrossing biography on Hitler’s life. An incredible listen from start to finish, this is a must-have in any WWII enthusiast’s library.

Excellent and insightful history

A very thorough and timely biography of Hitler, incorporating current scholarship and reflection on earlier similar works. A must-read for anyone who still thinks that the Holocaust was an aberration caused by a madman, and also for anyone who still doubts that the US could ever go down the same road to authoritarianism. My only complaint: The narrator's inability to pronounce foreign words and place names is really annoying for anyone who knows how to pronounce them. He also consistently mispronounced a couple of English words!

Of the MANY long histories I have heard...

This has been the best! Perhaps because it was written when enough time has passed to gather all the relevant information, I found it to be very well researched and written. My thanks to all involved. I have no doubt I will be lessening to it again!

Decline of Hitler

I was looking for a book about Hitler to familiarize myself with him during the war years. I am very happy to say that this book met my expectations.

Thorough and highly detailed, but still a story

I like how thorough and fact-laden this volume and it’s preceding one were. I learned a lot about Hitler, the Nazis, but also World War 2. I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting a deep dive into the regime and it’s downfall.

very well narrated (extreme research)

both volumes are very well narrated and contain a good depth and wealth of information that applies even in today's conflicts over territorial disputes.
both volumes are monies and times well spent.

Amazing

One of the best books on Hitler. I loved it and tge narrator was superb

Not a lot new in this book

But then what’s amazing is that Hitler was so pure evil and egocentric...Amazing that he lived so long To cause so many to die

Best modern bio of the fascist leader

A comprehensive, detailed, accurate, and readable/listenable treatment of Hitler. Pulls no punches with a sharp and powerful analysis while operating on a human level. the narrator sounds like a toothless old man unfortunately. Still, an epic volume for the history buff.