Listen to Top 100 Audiobooks in History, 20th Century

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Title: The Greatest Battle

Author: Andrew Nagorski

Narrator: Michael Prichard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-21-07

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 151 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

Andrew Nagorski, Newsweek's former Moscow bureau chief, reveals that 2.5 million of the battle's 7 million troops were killed, taken prisoner, or severely wounded. Stalin and Hitler squandered the lives of their own soldiers by second-guessing their generals. And, while Stalin's army was barely armed, Hitler's soldiers had no winter clothing in the Russian winter.

Historically, this was the first time the German blitzkrieg was halted in Europe, shattering Hitler's dream of a swift victory over the Soviet Union. And, although America was not yet in the war, President Roosevelt realized the importance of supporting the Russian war effort. This was the beginning of the Allied wartime alliance and Stalin's push for a postwar empire, which ended in the cold war.

Because Stalin suppressed records of his near-fatal mistakes in this battle, its story has never been fully told. Now, Nagorski has studied recently declassified documents from Soviet archives and includes interviews with many survivors, including the son of the man in charge of removing Lenin's body from the besieged city, to provide the fullest view yet of this key battle.

Members Reviews:

Not about the Battle of Moscow

If you want to read a book about the Battle of Moscow this isnt it.

The author is a descendant of a family that fought against the Russians in Poland after the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact in 939 that was the real beginning of WWII. Most of the book is about the terror that Stalin unleashed on his own people. When the book takes a break from the long list of Stalinist terrors, he upbraids those Americans who hoped that Russia would turn to democracy. He hates Harry Hopkins, Davis, FDR anybody who thought that beating Hitler was more important that fighting Russia.

With the chapter upon chapter listing of every Stalinist stupidity and atrocity, you wonder how the Russians ever beat Germany. And thats what is wrong with this book we all know that Stalinist Russia in 1941 was on the brink of disaster as Hitler said, kick in the door and the whole rotten structure will collapse. A real question to be answered is WHY Russia didnt collapse as everyone predicted they would. What did they do right what did they have that made them able to do what no other country had been able to do up to then defeat the Wermacht.

I would not recommend this book to any serious student of the period.

It is not so well written that you can get involved in the story because every time the author actually gets into the fascinating tale of what happened in front of Moscow in late 1941, he remembers how much he hates the Communists and were off to the races once again.

Misleading

I bought this title expecting a detailed military history with descriptions of the battle for Moscow. Instead the author details everything that was going on around Stalin at the time except for the actual battle. This was actually moderately interesting. However, the author steadfastly avoids talking about the actual battle. It is lucky for Nagorski that there are no laws that the title of a book has to reflect its content.

Where's the battle??

This book was well written and well read but sadly contained little information dealing with the battle of Moscow itself.

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Title: Europe Since 1815, Volume 1

Subtitle: Reaction and Nationalism

Author: Mitchell Garrett, James Godfrey

Narrator: Charlton Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-20-07

Publisher: Audio Connoisseur

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 122 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

Starting with a superbly concise explanation of the Industrial Revolution, authors Garrett and Godfrey explore the intricate series of events that followed on the heels of a conservative reaction to Napoleon's defeat. With varying degrees of success, the victorious Allied powers sought to reinstall monarchy and religious authority throughout Europe. Hovering over this diplomatic finery was the reactionary figure of Prince von Metternich of Austria, a supremely gifted statesman who remained at the center of a glittering aristocratic European stage for 35 years. But the aristocratic reaction could not contain the surging demand of the new middle classes emerging in the wake of the titanic forces unleashed by the Industrial Revolution.

In a series of revolutions and counter-revolutions, Europe became convulsed by one political crisis after another as each kingdom in its turn grappled with the bewildering set of changes and demands that seemingly appeared at every turn. But middle class patriotic fervor could not be denied, and inevitably revolution led to nationalism and the formation of new states like Italy, Germany, Hungary, Rumania, Greece and others.

Despite all the crafty diplomatic initiatives and schemes put forth by Metternich and his conservative comrades, the old monarchies and religious institutions came under increasing pressure from a brash new order of liberal democrats, radical intellectuals, and progressive autocrats. Change was in the air and Louis Napoleon of France, among others, was determined to ride the swirling currents of a divided and aroused electorate to a political position of undisputed power.

Members Reviews:

Excellent Book on The Topic

Although I am an avid student and reader of history, I must admit that my knowledge of European history during the 19th century is somewhat sketchy- especially when it comes to the details leading up to the revolutions of 1848. This book was excellent at explaining those details. The authors start out with a detailed description of the catylist for the change in Europe during this time period- the industrial revolution- and they move forward covering critical events all the way up to the declaration of the German Empire at Versailles in 1871. Chapter 1 focuses in great detail on the industrial revolution and at times I found the description to be almost too tedious (I decided after a while to skip over this part)- but for those who are intently interested in the actual mechanics of the industrial revolution, it is quite good. The subsequent chapters focus on the changes between 1815 and 1870 on a country by country basis- starting with France, working through Austria, Prussia, the German Confedreation, Spain, Italy and finally Russia. The analysis is quite detailed and excellent. Great historical names of the past such as Metternich, Bismarck, Mazzini, Louis Napoleon, and Cavour together with their contributions are all woven into the fabric of the volume. The narrator does a very good job with his narration as well. I enjoyed the volume enough to purchase the second volume as well. In conclusion, I would recommend the volume to anyone who wishes to acquire better knowledge and understanding about Europe during the period

The Ultimate Trek Through Europe

Garret and Godfrey must be congratulated for a truly amazing work.

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Title: Harrier Boys, Volume 1

Subtitle: From the Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990

Author: Robert Marston

Narrator: Roger Davis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-09-16

Publisher: Grub Street Publishing LTD

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 9 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

In Harrier Boys, Volume One: Cold War Through the Falklands, 1969-1990, Robert Marston, who flew Harriers for many years, draws together accounts from others who worked with this unique jet through its history. The excitement, camaraderie, and pride of Harrier operators shine through in the personal stories of those whose lives were changed by their experience of this iconic aircraft, both on land and at sea. In this first volume, events of the Cold War years are brought to life by contributors including Graham Williams, who flew the Transatlantic Air Race, Peter Dodworth, a member of the original Harrier Conversion Team, Peter Harris, a participant in the early defense of Belize, Sir Peter Squire, OC 1 (F) Squadron during the Falklands conflict, and Australian Dave Baddams, who commanded the Royal Navy Sea Harriers of 800 Squadron.

Members Reviews:

Experiences and Anedcotes

Volume 1 covers the introductions of the Harrier into service, the development of the type through the GR.3 and 5 versions and of course the Falkland campaign.

It's composed of different pilots (and one ground crew) relating their experiences of training for, flying, fighting and living as Harrier pilots. The books gives about half of the time over to the RAF version and their histories, the remainder covers the Fleet Air Arm, US Marine exchanges, initial development and the crew and senior officer view points.

By it's nature it doesn't have a strong narrative structure, but it does work well and where individuals contributions cross over, (self) editing is highlighted and the reader is aware of where the content exists later in the book.

I'd recommend this to anybody with more than a passing interest in the Harrier, RAF forward operations in Germany during the cold war or anybody who is interested in the development of new aircraft and their entry into service. It's number of contributors and the vast scope of the Harrier's operational life in the RAF ensure that it is a lively and interesting read.

A collection of inside stories well told

A very good account of the Harrier in its early days through to the Falklands. Some excellent personal accounts and a must for anyone interested in this unique aircraft and its operational history.

Exciting

loved this story and the boys series,well read and an very exciting story,would recommend to any body

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Title: The War of the World

Subtitle: History's Age of Hatred

Author: Niall Ferguson

Narrator: Saul Reichlin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 34 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-17

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin presents the unabridged edition of The War of the World by Niall Ferguson, read by Saul Reichlin.

The world at the beginning of the 20th century seemed for most of its inhabitants stable and relatively benign. Globalising, booming economies married to technological breakthroughs seemed to promise a better world for most people.

Instead the 20th century proved to be overwhelmingly the most violent, frightening and brutalised in history, with fanatical, often genocidal warfare engulfing most societies between the outbreak of the First World War and the end of the Cold War.

What went wrong? How did we do this to ourselves? The War of the World comes up with compelling, fascinating answers. It is Niall Ferguson's masterpiece.

Critic Reviews:

"A heartbreaking, serious and thoughtful survey of human evil that is utterly fascinating and dramatic." (Simon Sebag Montefiore, The New York Times)

"Unputdownable, controversial, compelling." (The Independent on Sunday)

"The grenade lobbed into the cosy tea party of received wisdom." (Max Hastings)

Members Reviews:

Great to listen mediocre history book

I had a good time listening to the book but mostly due to the near perfect narrator. The book itself is well written but in my opinion the analytical insight and revelation it promises in the introduction is missing later on, giving the reader a feeling of dissapointment. It is merley a new rewriting/description of events surrounding the wars of the XX and XXI centuries, rather then an in depth analysis of those events from a novel perspective.

Brilliant

A fascinating book which is deals with very difficult subject matter such as genocide and the holocaust. A must read for anyone who wants to learn about the human cost instead of the glamorous side of war

A probe into humanity's madness

A thorough perspective of WHY things had happened the way they were.

Excellent preview of events leading to WW1 n WW2.

A must-listen for history enthusiasts and humanitarians alike.

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Title: The Ruby Ridge Siege

Subtitle: The History of the Federal Government's Deadly Standoff with Randy Weaver and His Family

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Scott Clem

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 11 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-05-17

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

In the summer of 1992, federal agents surrounded a few acres of land isolated in Ruby Ridge, Idaho, where Randy Weaver, his wife Vicki, his 14-year-old son Samuel, and his three young daughters were staying. Weaver was a former Green Beret who had come to the attention of the ATF and other federal agencies for a number of reasons, including associations with white supremacist groups and the possession of illegal shotguns. After being arrested and released on bail in 1991, Weaver failed to appear in court when necessary and was thus treated as a fugitive, bringing in the involvement of US Marshals. For the rest of that year, attempts to bring in Weaver were rebuffed, and Weaver threatened to shoot anyone who came to his cabin to bring him in. After a number of reconnaissance efforts and operations to arrest Weaver took place in 1992, federal agents from the US Marshal Service and FBI surrounded the area on August 21 and wound up engaging in a firefight that ended in the deaths of 14-year-old Samuel, one of the family dogs, and Marshal Bill Degan, who was shot by Weaver's friend Kevin Harris. In the aftermath of the shooting, Randy and Vicki brought Samuel's body to a shed near their main cabin, and they remained inside with Harris for the rest of the day.

Members Reviews:

White wash

The book is a hatchet job on the weavers and an attempt at a white wash of the murderous actions of government agents.

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Title: The JFK Assassination: 11.22.63

Author: Jacob Holloway

Narrator: Kevin Theis

Format: Unabridged

Length: 45 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-14-16

Publisher: Jacob Holloway

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas. Fatally shot by Lee Harvey Oswald, Kennedy was traveling with his wife, Jacqueline, Texas Governor John Connally, and Connally's wife, Nellie, in a presidential motorcade. A 10-month investigation from November 1963 to September 1964 by the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy, and that Jack Ruby also acted alone when he killed Oswald before he could stand trial. Kennedy's death marked the fourth and most recent assassination of an American President. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson became president upon Kennedy's death, taking the constitutionally prescribed oath of office onboard Air Force One at Dallas's Love Field airport before departing for Washington, D.C.

In contrast to the conclusions of the Warren Commission, the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) concluded in 1979 that Kennedy was "probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy". The HSCA agreed with the Warren Commission in that Kennedy's and Connally's injuries were caused by Oswald's three rifle shots, but they also determined the existence of additional gunshots based on analysis of an audio recording and therefore "... a high probability that two gunmen fired at [the] President". The Committee was not able to identify any individuals or groups involved with the conspiracy. In addition, the HSCA found that the original federal investigations were "seriously flawed" in respect of information-sharing and the possibility of conspiracy. As recommended by the HSCA, the acoustic evidence indicating conspiracy was subsequently re-examined and rejected.

Members Reviews:

Make sure this is the book you want.

Use caution here. I thought I was getting Stephen Kings novel, 11-22-63, especially since I searched for Stephen King 11-22-63. oops, my mistake and I have no idea how to return an e-book.I

Like I said, it was my mistake for not paying attention, but the names are to close.

Tak3 another look, listen.

Another look at this confusing time in our history, Kevin Theis nails the reading.

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Title: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

Subtitle: The Story of the Deadliest Earthquake in American History

Author: Charles River Editors

Narrator: Kat Marlowe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-06-15

Publisher: Charles River Editors

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

"[I]t does not seem to have affected anyone with a sense of final destruction, with any foreboding of irreparable disaster. Everyone is talking of it this afternoon, and no one is in the least degree dismayed. I have talked and listened in two clubs, watched people in cars and in the street, and one man is glad that Chinatown will be cleared out for good; another's chief solicitude is for Millet's 'Man with the Hoe'. 'They'll cut it out of the frame', he says, a little anxiously. 'Sure.' But there is no doubt anywhere that San Francisco can be rebuilt, larger, better, and soon. Just as there would be none at all if all this New York that has so obsessed me with its limitless bigness was itself a blazing ruin. I believe these people would more than half like the situation." - H.G. Wells

On the morning of April 18, 1906, most of the residents of the city of San Francisco were sound asleep when the ground started to shake. But what started as fairly soft tremors turned into a violent shaking in all directions. The roar of the earthquake unquestionably woke up residents, at least those fortunate enough not to be immediately swallowed by the cracks opening up in the ground. The earthquake lasted about a minute, but it had enough destructive force to divert the course of entire rivers and level much of the ninth-largest city in America at the time.

Unfortunately for San Franciscans, the worst was yet to come. During the earthquake, the city's gas mains and water mains were ruptured, which had the effects of starting a number of fires and preventing the residents from being equipped to fight them.

Members Reviews:

The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906

Would you consider the audio edition of The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 to be better than the print version?

I never read the print version BUT I totally believe this audio version would be better Kat Marlow kept my interest

Who was your favorite character and why?

was not a favorite

What about Kat Marlowes performance did you like?

this is a documentary and she was able to hold my interest where I do not think reading would have

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it was interesting some of the things that we as people did no spoilers

Any additional comments?

I am going to read the next 1889 because listening to this one one peeked my interest

Hard to listen to

So many unnecessary details about street locations, couldn't make it past 30 minutes.

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Title: 1941: Fighting the Shadow War

Subtitle: A Divided America in a World at War

Author: Marc Wortman

Narrator: Richard Poe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-19-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 65 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

In 1941: Fighting the Shadow War: A Divided America in a World at War, historian Marc Wortman thrillingly explores the little-known history of America's clandestine involvement in World War II before the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Prior to that infamous day, America had long been involved in a shadow war. Winston Churchill, England's beleaguered new prime minister, pleaded with Franklin D. Roosevelt for help. FDR concocted ingenious ways to come to his aid without breaking the Neutrality Acts. Launching Lend-Lease, conducting espionage at home and in South America to root out Nazi sympathizers, and waging undeclared war in the Atlantic were just some of the tactics with which FDR battled Hitler in the shadows.

FDR also had to contend with growing isolationism and anti-Semitism as he tried to influence public opinion. While Americans were sympathetic to those being crushed under Axis power, they were unwilling to enter a foreign war.

Wortman tells the story through the eyes of the powerful as well as ordinary citizens. Their stories weave throughout the intricate tapestry of events that unfold during the crucial year of 1941. Combining military and political history, Wortman tells the eye-opening story of how FDR took the country to war.

Members Reviews:

Fascinating, well worth the time to read or listen.

Excellent narration. I listened to this oddly enough on June 6th and finished the December 7th chapters the next morning. There were dialogues scattered through the book that the author assumed, but I suspect these were in line with the characters and circumstances and did not distract. The author's research and notes in the epilogue are comprehensive. I was born 6 weeks before Dec 7th and wish I could ask my parents about this period from 1939 to 1941. They were always intensely interested in local and federal government and politics and I know they would have followed the news and have reactions. My sister recalls her and my brother collecting scrap metal and similar activities in the war effort. I have always been so intrigued with WWII and have read many histories of the period, including Shirer's "The Nightmare Years", the Churchll series, etc. This book adds to my collection but raises questions as well. I highly recommend the book and the audio version is very well done.

Other reasons

Also valuable to read are the mantle of command and five days in London both on audible.

A Look Behind the Curtain

Marc Wortman has turned back a corner of WWII history and revealed the dynamics going on leading up to December 7th, that day of infamy. He presents the public view and the intrigue behind the curtain of secrecy, including both overt and covert actions that positioned the United States on the precipice of war. The characters and personalities are fascinating, even those we know well like FDR. Well worth the time!

Great and scary

Good history , very much similar to what's happening today.

Which is why it's scary. Listening and learn .

the road to war

everyone knows of the point at which the U.S. joined World War II, but now learn of the road to Pearl Harbor the U.S. trecked through as anti-war activist faced off against pro-Democracy activists.

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Title: Islands of Destiny

Author: John Prados

Narrator: Richard Ferrone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-13-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 42 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

Acclaimed WWII historian and military intelligence expert John Prados offers a provocative reassessment of the Allies battle for the Solomon Islands - a turbulent, dramatic campaign that, he argues, was the true turning point of the Pacific conflict.

Members Reviews:

Way too much detail

This is one of my favorite subjects to read about so i was very interested in this book. I feel like Prados goes into so much detail he detracts from the story. Tons of Facts and figures that aren't really needed to progress the narrative. The choice of narrator isn't the best either, it was hard to listen for long period of time and stay interested. But I did learn a lot and after all that's why I read/listen to books.

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Title: Ghost Army of World War II

Author: Jack Kneece

Narrator: Paul Woodson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-14-17

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: History, 20th Century

Publisher's Summary:

In 1941, the US began to form a hand-picked army to fight in Europe. What made it different is that its troops were composed of artists, actors, meteorologists, and sound technicians, and their true mission was not to fight, but to deceive the German Army. Information about the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops was classified top secret until 1996. Following the declassification, Jack Kneece interviewed many of the key personnel involved in this elaborate ruse, including fashion designer Bill Blass. Until the bombing of Pearl Harbor, many Americans were opposed to becoming involved in the war in Europe, and the military was ill-prepared to fight, with only 130,000 enlisted troops and equipment left over from World War I. One solution was to create a special force that gave the illusion of 30,000 heavily armed men. In fact, there were only 1,000. German soldiers referred to them as the "Phantom Army" because one moment they were in one place, and the next, they were attacking their flanks or from the rear. This small army duped the Germans successfully in 21 separate operations during World War II, many of which took place within a few hundred yards of the front lines.

Members Reviews:

A must read for wwii enthusiasts

Just wow, I do not have alot to say as I would be here writing the story out to you and I cannot do it justice. Just trust me when I say you will not regret reading or listening to this book.

Disappointingly rambling

As a bit of a WW2 history geek this offered insight into a different aspect of that period. The story of the ghost army is fascinating and the men as brave and integral to the war effort as any other.

However this book is poorly written, with rambling passages and repetition galore- how it got past an editor I don't know. It also lacks detailed description and analysis, relying on endless repetition of broad brush overviews and a handful of anecdotes. I persevered to the end in case any nuggets came out (I did say I was a bit of a geek) but was sorely tempted to give up.

Overall it's such a shame that this is so poorly written as the story deserves so much more.