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

By: Winston Churchill

Narrated by: Michael Jayston

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.

The Gathering Storm

I really enjoyed this book the narration was perfect! No movie can capture what was said in this book.