Six Armies in Normandy

From D-Day to the Liberation of Paris

De: John Keegan

Narrado por: Fred Williams

In a burnished, driving prose, incorporating a myriad of fresh sources, John Keegan tells the story of the Allies' greatest military achievement as he chronicles the 1944 invasion of Normandy, from D-Day to the liberation of Paris. Includes:

The Americans in their gallant and terrifying night drop on the eve of the landings

The Canadians in crucial action at the Omaha beachhead

The English tanks and infantry savagely fighting their way inland

The Germans in their surprisingly strong resistance

The Poles in exile blocking the German escape route in a fierce and desperate firefight

The French, liberating at last the City of Light

©1982 Sir John Keegan (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Classic John Keegan

Erudite, kaleidoscopic and humane story of D-Day and well narrated. An enjoyable listen and a great read.

Interesting but painful

A lot of factual information but so painful to listen to the narration. The only way I was able to get through it was by putting the speed up to 1.5

Well researched and academic

Very methodical and textbook-esque study of the conflict. Exceptionally well researched but lacking in the sort of hooks that history writers like Ian W. Toll and Hornfischer excel at.

A must read

I have listened to or read this book several times. Keegan’s telling of the invasion of fortress Europe is a must read for students of military history.

pathos sorrow

I was particularly interested in the stories of individual soldiers and principles decision-making and reactions to what they heard so smelled.And felt.

Not for the casual WWII reader

This was a great book, but you've got to be a real WWII addict to enjoy. Mr. Keegan covers D-Day from the large strategic picture down to the first-person description of the battle. It is a very detailed work. His use of place names and details made it a difficult listen in some areas unless you were looking at a map of Normandy. Overall, however, I really enjoyed it and will probably pick up the hardcover for my WWII collection.

A great work.

A great book and very well narrated. Mr. Keegan covers the background and the details of the battle of Normandy from pre D-Day through the liberation of Paris from the large strategic perspective down to the first-person descriptions of the individual battles. While it is at times very detailed, the continuity flows extremely well. A detailed map of Normandy would be helpful. A classic of WW II history. . .

Enjoyable history lesson.

I really enjoyed this book. It was similar to Stephen Ambrose books in that facts of the war are given, but supplemented with first hand accounts which help to personalize the events. Very interesting perspectives from American, British, German, Canadian, Russian. and Polish units. I liked hearing about the other beaches at Normandy attacked by the British and Canadians. The book covers D-Day to the end of the Atlantic campaign.
This was one of the first downloads that i experienced "feedback" or noises from poor recording, however. More noticeable since I was using headphones.

Fascinating

I will confess to being a Keegan fan. The information presented is interesting and presents the complexity of war both for individuals and countries. I will listen to this again.

Good Book, but Not for the Novice WWII Buff

Would you listen to Six Armies in Normandy again? Why?

I enjoyed this book, it was very interesting, and I will probably listen to it again.

What did you like best about this story?

The best thing about the story was the wealth of intriguing details.

What three words best describe Fred Williams’s performance?

The three words that would best describe Fred Williams' performance would be "Get someone else." Williams has an irritating tendency to mispronounce ordinary words, such as "khaki" and "combatants."

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Because of the way the information the Normandy invasion was organized, this is not a book for those who are new to WWII history.