Unsung Heroes of World War II: Europe

By: Lynne Olson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Professor Lynne Olson

World War II is one of the most harrowing and impactful events in human history. Our imaginations may be captured by the sweeping military battles, but the story of war is the story of humans, everyday people trying to do their bit in a world falling apart around them.

In France, for instance, you’ll find a young, unassuming mother who became the leader of the largest and most important Allied spy network in occupied France. In Poland, a brilliant, young mathematician successfully broke Germany’s Enigma code, laying the groundwork for the famed British codebreaking operation at Bletchley Park. In Belgium, a 23-year-old nurse from Brussels created an escape line that smuggled hundreds of shot-down British and American airmen out of enemy territory and back to freedom.

What did these three very different people have in common? They were all unsung heroes of war, men and women of courage and conscience who helped change the course of history but who, for various reasons, have slipped into history’s shadows. Unsung Heroes of World War II: Europe is your chance to meet these and other everyday heroes who have never been given the credit they deserved. Taught by historian Lynne Olson, author of seven acclaimed books about World War II, these 12 scintillating lectures offer a trove of stories across Europe and America that you likely have never heard before.

Delve into a world of citizens holding onto illicit radios so they can listen to broadcasts from the BBC, a beacon of liberty for those living in occupied territory. Mingle with spies listening to secrets, gathering intelligence, and taking risks to share information with the Allies. Meet the politicians behind the scenes who orchestrated great events. With a storyteller’s true gift for setting a scene and an eye for interesting details, Professor Olson takes you into the shadows of history to introduce you to some of the most courageous figures in the war - all of whom did their best to defeat tyranny and restore freedom in their own countries and the world at large.

Disclaimer: Please note that this recording may include references to supplemental texts or print references that are not essential to the program and not supplied with your purchase.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 The Great Courses (P)2020 The Teaching Company, LLC

Very entertaining.

Very well presented. Interesting little known history. I would recommend to anyone. Feel good stories.

A fascinating series of heroes you’ve never heard of

I have read most of Lynn Olsen’s books. She has a way with great stories about the people and situations of the WWII era. This was no exception. Stories of courage, ingenuity, and patriotism told by a good narrator, Lynn herself. I highly recommend this series; enlightening and enjoyable. I’m

Nice set of isolated stories on WW-2

Many books are about strategic development, battles, high-ranking officers, etc. This book is “small history”, focusing on individuals that are frequently not in focus in such other books. I love both genres, and this is quite nice one.
Only reason not a 5: the stories roam over many countries, various topics, etc. without any line. If that is what you like (as you WILL be surprised at least a few times), then you would likely give it a 5. For me, some more order would have been preferred, so I give it a 4.
PS: the separate book by Olson on Mrs. Fourcade is surely a 5+! :-)
The performance is meticulous ->that deserves a 5.

Unsung Heroes

many good stories about lesser-known people who contributed to victory in World War II.
the final story of the Three Dutch sisters was probably the best although it is tough to rate one above the other. the Polish cryptographer is finally receiving his due credit for work and breaking the Enigma.

the reader

reader was hard for me to understand, but the selection of stories was very interesting.