Once There Was a War

By: John Steinbeck, Mark Bowden - editor

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Nobel laureate John Steinbeck's bracing from-the-frontlines account of World War II-now with a new cover and introduction

In 1943 John Steinbeck was on assignment for The New York Herald Tribune, writing from Italy and North Africa, and from England in the midst of the London blitz. In his dispatches he focuses on the human-scale effect of the war, portraying everyone from the guys in a bomber crew to Bob Hope on his USO tour and even fighting alongside soldiers behind enemy lines. Taken together, these writings create an indelible portrait of life in wartime.

Critic reviews

"If you have forgotten what the war was like, Steinbeck will refresh your memory. Age can never dull this kind of writing."
-Chicago Tribune

Great book on WWII

Years ago, I had read Ernie Pyle's book, and liked it. This reminded me of it, and may even be better. My only negative is that it seemed too short.

Steinbeck goes to war

His collection of Steinbeck’s essays written during World War II while he was overseas as a correspondent, are stunning, even by today’s standards. It really brings you back to those moments in time, and Durso, with intelligence, humor, and perspective. An excellent addition to any Steinbeck collection.

Always a great Steinbeck book

A wonderful characterization of the troops in WW2. Steinbeck continues to keep me coming back for more of his great works.

The greatest war story(ies) ever told

I have read many war biographies and accounts of WWII, including Churchill's, but none come close to bringing WWII to life like this book does. Although stripped of specific details by the censors, the stories lose nothing from the omissions for Steinbeck has done a masterful job of reaching deep into the lives of the men and women of the allied forces and giving them expression that is pure gold. I have lived as an infantry soldier and these words ring so true and deep that one wishes there were volumes of these stories somewhere. Although Ken Burns did much of this for the Civil War, the main difference is that Steinbeck brings his deep understanding and empathy for the common person to the description of events. You will not be disappointed, even if you do not care much for Steinbeck's other works.

Very enjoyable listen

Steinbeck hit a home run with these short vignettes of WWII stories and experiences of solders during the war. The narration is great and I loved all the little stories. I am listening to many WWII books this summer and this is my 5th book in the last month.
This ranks at the top of list of must listens.