The Liberation of Paris

How Eisenhower, de Gaulle, and von Choltitz Saved the City of Light

By: Jean Edward Smith

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Prize-winning and bestselling historian Jean Edward Smith tells the “rousing” (Jay Winik, author of 1944) story of the liberation of Paris during World War II—a triumph achieved only through the remarkable efforts of Americans, French, and Germans, racing to save the city from destruction.

Following their breakout from Normandy in late June 1944, the Allies swept across northern France in pursuit of the German army. The Allies intended to bypass Paris and cross the Rhine into Germany, ending the war before winter set in. But as they advanced, local forces in Paris began their own liberation, defying the occupying German troops.

Charles de Gaulle, the leading figure of the Free French government, urged General Dwight Eisenhower to divert forces to liberate Paris. Eisenhower’s advisers recommended otherwise, but Ike wanted to help position de Gaulle to lead France after the war. And both men were concerned about partisan conflict in Paris that could leave the communists in control of the city and the national government. Neither man knew that the German commandant, Dietrich von Choltitz, convinced that the war was lost, schemed to surrender the city to the Allies intact, defying Hitler’s orders to leave it a burning ruin.

In The Liberation of Paris, Jean Edward Smith puts “one of the most moving moments in the history of the Second World War” (Michael Korda) in context, showing how the decision to free the city came at a heavy price: it slowed the Allied momentum and allowed the Germans to regroup. After the war German generals argued that Eisenhower’s decision to enter Paris prolonged the war for another six months. Was Paris worth this price? Smith answers this question in a “brisk new recounting” that is “terse, authoritative, [and] unsentimental” (The Washington Post).

Critic reviews

"Fred Sanders delivers this illuminating history in just the right way to move the action forward. He narrates with intelligence and attention to the specifics—names, dates, and events—and his pacing and tone reflect the intense atmosphere of wartime Paris as WWII nears its end. In a history that is nothing if not dramatic—Hitler wants Paris destroyed—his sure cadence illuminates contributions of General Eisenhower, who circumvents FDR; General de Gaulle, who promotes the capital as a symbol of 'la France'; and German General von Choltitz, who risks his career and his family's safety to ignore the Fuhrer's irrational instructions. This fine audiobook helps the listener understand the motivations and complex actions that saved the art, architecture, and people of the City of Light."

Fast paced, incredibly interesting and informative

This book was fascinating to me. Ms Smith is not only a good historical researcher, but she can write so well. To get a glimpse into the some of the motivations of, and interactions between, WW2’s major personalities who shaped the liberation of Paris - priceless. I now want to read more about Eisenhower especially, and DeGaul, and (I have to go back to see the German’s name in print). And the narration also perfect in that I just heard the story, no distraction by unnecessary inflections or droning (bored voice) etc. I am hoping this author has other books because I value her approach to history. I like that she draws parallels between specific actions by DeGaul, or Eisenhower to, for example, Ulysses S Grant in America’s civil war…There is info about Churchill and Roosevelt as pertains to liberating Paris. Loved this book!

Concise, Superb History Of Paris' 1944 Liberation

Jean Edward Smith has given us a superb history of the 1944 liberation of Paris. The story of the miracle of Paris being saved from destruction as ordered by Hitler is compelling. Three generals, Eisenhower an American, De Gaulle a Frenchman, and Cholitz a German, were the key leaders in the saving of Paris.

A great story, told with authority

Those who've read "Is Paris Burning?" a 1965 best-seller by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre, will not be surprised by the outcome of this story. Paris is liberated by the Americans, by the French army, and by its own citizens, and it is not blown up or burned down in the process. Still, it's worthwhile hearing the story told with authority and precision by a first-rate historian. It's an exciting story and an inspiring one. It's probably safe to say that for many of the participants on the Allied side who were in Paris while it was happening or being celebrated, it was one of the highlights of their lives. The disagreements and debates among the Allied leaders -- de Gaulle, Churchill, Roosevelt, Eisenhower -- are interesting, but the mystery here is the behavior of von Choltitz and his immediate German superiors in France. Why did they disobey der Fuhrer's direct orders to destroy the place, and how did they get away with their disobedience? Full marks to Jean Edward Smith for telling a gripping story, and to Fred Sanders for narrating it so ably.