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The Origins of The Second World War
- Narrated by: Nigel Patterson
- Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins
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Publisher's summary
From influential British historian A. J. P. Taylor comes the audio edition of The Origins of the Second World War. Controversial for its thesis that Hitler was an opportunist with no thorough plan, The Origins of the Second World War is an extensive exploration of the international politics and foreign policy that led up to the one of the bloodiest conflicts of the 20th century.
Originally published in 1961, The Origins of the Second World War is a classic of modern history. A. J. P. Taylor's years of research helped change the long-accepted view that Adolf Hitler had wanted and planned in detail for a war. With clear and relatable prose, Taylor articulately depicts the diplomatic mistakes from both the Allied and Axis powers that led to the outbreak of World War II. A groundbreaking work, The Origins of the Second World War "is an almost faultless masterpiece, perfectly proportioned, perfectly controlled" (The Observer).
Critic reviews
"This is an almost faultless masterpiece." (The Observer)
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Prosecuting attorney in the Manson trial Vincent Bugliosi held a unique insider's position in one of the most baffling and horrifying cases of the 20th century: the cold-blooded Tate-LaBianca murders carried out by Charles Manson and four of his followers. What motivated Manson in his seemingly mindless selection of victims, and what was his hold over the young women who obeyed his orders? Now available for the first time in unabridged audio, the gripping story of this famous and haunting crime is brought to life by acclaimed narrator Scott Brick.
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Everything I remembered about the case was wrong..
- By karen on 06-22-12
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Made in America
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In Made in America, Bryson de-mythologizes his native land, explaining how a dusty hamlet with neither woods nor holly became Hollywood, how the Wild West wasn't won, why Americans say 'lootenant' and 'Toosday', how Americans were eating junk food long before the word itself was cooked up, as well as exposing the true origins of the G-string, the original $64,000 question, and Dr Kellogg of cornflakes fame.
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Bryson Not Reading Makes For a Rare Fail
- By John on 02-28-14
By: Bill Bryson
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In Nazi Germany, they were called the Schutzstaffel. The world would know them as the dreaded SS - the most loyal and ruthless enforcers of the Third Reich...It began as a small squad of political thugs. Yet by the end of 1935, the SS had taken control of all police and internal security duties in Germany - ranging from local village "gendarmes" all they way up to the secret political police and the Gestapo.
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Got lost in the details.
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The Kennan Diaries
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A landmark collection, spanning 90 years of U.S. history, of the never-before-published diaries of George F. Kennan, America’s most famous diplomat. On a hot July afternoon in 1953, George F. Kennan descended the steps of the State Department building as a newly retired man. His career had been tumultuous: early postings in eastern Europe followed by Berlin in 1940-41 and Moscow in the last year of World War II. In 1946, the 42-year-old Kennan authored the "Long Telegram", a 5,500-word indictment of the Kremlin that became mandatory reading in Washington.
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a complex man
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What listeners say about The Origins of The Second World War
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Robert
- 12-11-23
Very comprehensive analysis
This is an academic study - a bit tedious for the average reader. But so worth the effort! I will be reading again soon, for better understanding
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- Hannah C.
- 08-07-21
Dense but very enlightening
This book is not so much a point by point narrative, but much more interpretation and explanation. It assumes you are already familiar with the basic knowledge of prewar years and the actual event of World War 2. But it is quite fascinating if you do.
Taylor sets out his thesis at the beginning. To simply blame all of World War 2 on Hitler’s grand plan is far too simple. Hitler was evil certainly, but he was an evil opportunist and gambler more than a grand strategist. There were many mistakes by all the other nations along the way. And when war did come, it was probably not what hitler actually wanted. It also shows the complexity of alliances that existed in the late 1930s. Italy and Germany were not as in lock step as we might assume looking back. And Britain and France often had divergent goals.
If you want to dig deeper into the complexities of the events than a simple “this side vs that side”, you will enjoy the book.
Also, Not sure why people saw as an American you will dislike this book. America hardly comes up at all. It is much more indicting of France and England.
The narrator does sound a little condescending, but that fits the flavor of the book pretty well and I grew to enjoy it.
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- fred schwartz
- 11-15-19
Not for me
Nigel is a little full of himself. If your an American it's almost impossible to listen to his Historical view!
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