Winston S. Churchill: The History of the Second World War, Volume 1 - The Gathering Storm

By: Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Michael Jayston

Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Second World War, every bond between man and man was to perish. Crimes were committed by the Hitler regime that find no equal in scale and wickedness with any that have darkened the human record.

It was a simple policy to keep Germany disarmed after the struggle of the First World War and the Victors adequately armed in vigilance. But errors were soon made. The tragedy of America’s failure to enter the League of Nations; the weakness and lack of resolution of the democracies to confront the growing strength, reach, and ambition of the fascist dictators in Germany, Italy, and Japan; the economic turmoil that allowed these events to spark and build.

In this first volume it is all too easy to see and understand how this immense tragedy could have been avoided, how the malice of the wicked was reinforced by the weakness of the virtuous. We shall hear how the counsels of prudence and restraint became the prime agents of mortal danger in this Gathering Storm. The overview is read by Winston S Churchill, MP, and the volume narrated by Michael Jayston.

©2011 Word Of Mouth (P)2011 Copyright Group

So well read

A dramatic inside view of the beginning of the Second World war. Background music/sound add to the excellent reading that sounds like Churchill.

An excellent overview, but not the entire book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this title for what it is, but it was not at all well marked. Or what I’d expected. Not an abridgement - though it is - but an overview. A condensation. However, it is very well done, and contains the essentials. Perhaps rather overpriced for the brief 2 1/2 hours, however enjoyable.

Required reading.

Always relevant, especially now. I’m curious why this isn’t used more broadly in college or even high school curriculum. The personal viewpoint enables the type of engagement that students crave. History is defined by decisions made real time, often with incomplete information.

Classic Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill writes about WW2 as though he actually lived through it! His narrative is vivid and clear.

Excellent book!

The reader sound just like Sir Winston Churchill!
I’ve read many of his books and enjoyed all of them.

history relived!

Loved it. What a joy to relive history through one such eloquent man

Tell us a Story

Excellent, just like the man himself. I love the idea of having Winston Churchill tell me stories, even war stories. The narration is excellent, well paced, always crystal clear.

Wow!

This should be compulsory reading in 2017.....masterful, engaging writer. Parallels cannot be ignored and Churchill emphasizes the lessons if only we would read!

Very authentic and insightful

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Well, if you like history about WWII then this is another book to listen to. It is nice to gain perspective from many sides of this most historic era. Churchill's resounding skill to keep the country "up" while dealing with the atrocities and damaging nature of the war make him seem impenetrable.

What other book might you compare Winston S. Churchill: The History of the Second World War, Volume 1 - The Gathering Storm to and why?

Right now I am reading the Grey Wolf about the route the Nazi Party was taking, and namely Hitler and his entourage, were taking amid raping everything and everyone of their right to be a human on earth and the pillaging of loot and art from anyone to satisfy the needs of the Nazis during the war. Also, the interesting aspect of what really happened to Mr. Adolf at war's end. What really happened to him and others who provoked and carried out their wild scheme.

Have you listened to any of Michael Jayston’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not yet.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

too many to think of one.

lt' s as if Sir Winston himself is narrating.

It's mesmerizing. Add to that Sir Winston's beautiful writing style, so clear and concise, and his command of the language, it's hard to put down. Just superb.