The Gathering Storm

Excellent adaptation convincing narration without becoming a parody. Would recommend

Such a personal and well written account of WWII. Well worth it

Interesting account from one of the most important figures of WWII. Very interesting also is a complete lack of any mention of a holocaust or genocide.

Great, engaging listen, though it feels abridged.

It wouldn't be an understatement to call this one of the most important works of history of the twentieth century. The first of six volumes by Winston Churchill this book chronicles the period between the end of the First World War, through the growing German and Italian threats to the peace, and into the war as far as the Battle of France. To say that this book is well written would be a substantial understatement. Churchill has a way with the English language that is very rarely seen which serves to enliven a story that has been done to death in the decades since this was originally published. As a participant at the highest levels of government throughout most of the period of this book, and especially after the start of the war, there is an added level of clarity, moral force, and insights that are often lost in most examinations of the period. Of particular note I found were the various descriptions of those principal actors such as Stanley Baldwin, Neville Chamberlain, and Soviet Foreign Minister Molotov. Contrary to my expectations, Chamberlain himself is not vastly attacked by Churchill in any substantially prolonged way, especially after Munich when his demeanor changed drastically - a better accounting of the failures of the prewar government fall to Baldwin as it stands in this account for putting party over country. On the whole much of the emphasis in this volume is placed on the prewar era, and rightfully so - while the period described from September 1939 to May 1940 is also of the highest quality it does drag at some points with Churchill's descriptions of the Norway campaign which are perhaps too long considering the rapidly approaching thunderstorm that was making its way to fruition on the continent.This said, while this series can be viewed as a history of the war it is better viewed as a serious of war memoirs from one of the most important figures of the war and should inevitably rest on the shelves of any respectful reader of the Second World War.Of note for this volume itself are several very nicely done maps - particularly as they relate to the Polish campaign, Scapa Flow, the naval battle against the Graf Spee, and the Norway campaign. A variety of useful appendixes are also included, particularly those relating to naval affairs considering Winston's position as First Lord of the Admiralty from the start of the war until his assumption of the duties of the office of the Prime Minister.

Excellent review of the early beginnings of WWII. Churchill has the advantage not only of having lived this portion of history, but also the records of the Nuremberg trials and his own personal journals. Very readable.

A gripping account of the events leading up to World War 2 by someone very close to the inner workings. Well read by the reader sounds like Mr. Churchill himself.

Great to hear Churchill during his proudest moments. The lonely voice warning of the rise of fascism, just like today.

As an historical artefact, an account of WWII from the highest level, but lacking the Enigma and Ultra information, this is a very good production. He writes clearly and well. Having some of the instincts of the historian,, and having already written two major biographies, he knew what he'd be looking for if he was writing a biography. So that's what it is, and it reads well. I've finished it three times, and dipped in often.

This is the first of a series of six books written by Winston Churchill on World War Two. This is a very good, very well-written on am important subject. Winston Churchill was at the center of events during the entire war, being Prime Minister for almost all of it. This was a unique perspective on the war. This is history related by the man who, in many cases, made the history.The book has many details of memory and records. The appendix has important documents for those who want more information. The writing is by a master of the English language who is a seasoned writer. The combination of political leader and writer of power is without precedent.For those interested in World War Two, for those interested in Twentieth Century history these books are imperative. I don't think you can really understand the period without reading and understanding this set of books. I cannot recommend them too much.

This may be one of the most important books of the twentieth century, written by one of its greatest heroes. Churchill, a lone voice against tyranny for so long, did everything he could to sound the warning bell against fascism. In the end--although so very late--they listened. In the end, the Allies were victorious. And in the end, we have this brilliant account from which to learn of the follies of the past, in order to preserve our future from tyranny.

"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." And he did. This compulisively readable account of Europe between the wars and from 09/39 to 05/40 covers European diplomatic history, shifts in British politics, Britian's unwillingness to prepare for war, Hitler's rise to power and German re-armament. It ends with the invasion of France/the Low Countries and Chuchill's ascent to Prime Minister of a National Government. For all it's readablity and heavy use of documentation and primary sources, this is still a memior and sometimes self-serving.