A Bridge Too Far

By: Cornelius Ryan

Narrated by: Clive Chafer

The classic account of one of the most dramatic battles of World War II.

A Bridge Too Far is Cornelius Ryan’s masterly chronicle of the Battle of Arnhem, which marshaled the greatest armada of troop-carrying aircraft ever assembled and cost the Allies nearly twice as many casualties as D-day.

In this compelling work of history, Ryan narrates the Allied effort to end the war in Europe in 1944 by dropping the combined airborne forces of the American and British armies behind German lines to capture the crucial bridge across the Rhine at Arnhem.

Focusing on a vast cast of characters - from Dutch civilians to British and American strategists to common soldiers and commanders - Ryan brings to life one of the most daring and ill-fated operations of the war. A Bridge Too Far superbly recreates the terror, suspense, heroism, and tragedy of this epic operation, which ended in bitter defeat for the Allies.

About the author: Cornelius Ryan (1920–1974), born in Dublin, Ireland, became one of the preeminent war correspondents of his time, flying fourteen bombing missions with the US Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. He is the author of numerous books, including several classics of military history, which have appeared throughout the world in nineteen languages. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1973.

©1974 Cornelius Ryan (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“I know of no other work of literature of World War II as moving, as awesome, and as accurate in its portrayal of human courage.” (General James M. Gavin)

“Ryan masters a spare, strong style to deliver a battle that has much of the majesty and beauty of classic tragedy. ( Kirkus Reviews)

A touching and astonishing read

While there are plenty of details about battles, I was most struck by the anecdotes and testimony from the incredibly brave men and women who lived through one of the most grueling episodes of World War II. The stories are all the more meaningful in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that is going on right now. What a waste war is!

Boring performance for a classic.

The narrator speaks in a near monotone, making what should have been a fascinating book somewhat boring and hard to follow.

The ultimate overall story of Market Garden

I am sure like many of you, I also watched the film A Bridge Too Far. This is the true story of Operation Market Garden, that is told in all of its glory, heroics, and harrowing experiences.

There are only two slight qualms I have with this book, and those are the misidentification of Browning as the Airborne Corps Commander. That was Ridgeway. Browning was the second in command of the First Allied Airborne Army, but was in the field of battle. Ridgeway is mentioned maybe once. In other more American-centric focused accounts of Market Garden Ridgeway is told to have felt impotent and useless , essentially. Even though he too was on the field of battle.
That brings me to my second slight qualm is that besides the initial day or two, and crossing the Waal River by 3/504 PIR, the latter half of the book only really focuses on the First Airborne and XXX Corpse.

However, those two qualms are minor, and I think combined with other books, like September Hope, and It Never Snows in September, among others, this book does the best telling of the overall story and is a must read.

It's a story almost too sad to listen to.

My wife's grandfather was wounded on a glider with the 101st Airborne. It was very enlightening to hear the whole story.

One of the few comprehensive views

Ryan does a laudible job in covering the Allied side of the battle with due care to the multiple fronts and locations. This is a great start before moving in to more detailed histories of the various segments of Operation Market Garden. It had been many years since I last read Ryan and noted that he did a good job covering the role of the Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron and the coup d'main operation at Arnhem bridge and his discussion of the radio problems was sound.

Battle of Arnhem

Great history/story of the tragic battle of Arnhem. Ryan mixes the personal details of the bravery of the soldiers on both sides and the civilians with the detailed history of the battle.
Although the author does not focus on it, you get the sense of the tragedy of the planners not using the intelligence they had and being arrogant went presented with vital information.
The reading is a bit dry, but the writing is so good it still is an exciting book to listen to. High recommended.

Historical Gem

Very detailed and well researched saga of a plan that went awry. Incredible courage on both sides of the war.

Another great book from Cornelius Ryan!

I love his interview style of writing. The stories straight from the men that were there make it real and interesting.

Education in War

Got an education in this part of World War II. The terror of war in all it's color well told. This telling was just a little part of many parts that made up the war. So many life's destroyed when just a few desire power.

simply outstanding

Superior history with interwoven personal stories within the overall big story. this is how all history should be written.