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The Thirty Years War

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The Thirty Years War

By: C. V. Wedgwood
Narrated by: Charlton Griffin
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About this listen

Initially, the Thirty Years War was precipitated in 1618 by religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire. But the conflict soon spread beyond religion to encompass the internal politics and balance of power within the Empire, and then later to the other European powers. By the end, it became simply a dynastic struggle between Bourbon France and Habsburg Spain. And almost all of it was fought out in Germany. After 30 years of conflict, entire regions of Germany and Bohemia were depopulated and destroyed by marching armies, fire, famine, and disease. It bankrupted most of the participants while leaving thousands of German villages, towns, and even cities in smoldering ruin.

Because of the political and geographical complexity of the early 17th century, an understanding of The Thirty Years War can be difficult to grasp in the beginning. Listeners will be rewarded by patience. As an aid to comprehension, we recommend the online Wikipedia article "The Thirty Years War" for maps and overviews of the geography, principle leaders, and major battles.

Total running time: 19 hours and 48 minutes. Narrator: Charlton Griffin.

©1938 Estate of C. V. Wedgwood (P)2012 Audio Connoisseur Europe War Royalty Imperialism
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This book is just as gripping as it is comprehensive. The first time I found myself lost at a number of points due to the share number of people, places and events. the second time though I followed beautifully and found it eminently captivating. The performance of the narrator is just as noteworthy as the writing of Wedgwood. Spectacular all around.

Fantastic!

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This was the first book I ever listened to on audible and I am still trying to match it. There are not many new ideas put forward in this book, no interesting innovations, or controversial opinions. Just a well spoken, well written, nuanced look at one of the most interesting events in European history.

The Best

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But for some old English and a delightful turn of phrase that being uncommon to the modern ear makes this tome a little difficult to understand this is indeed an excellent book

Excellent

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This is Charlton Griffin's best piece of work and C.V. Wedgewood's greatest book.

Mr. Griffin is usually excellent but hwre he is brilliant, the tone and pronunciation are perfect.

Despite it's byzantine subject matter Wedgewood's writing is always clear and the narrative is pleasing, as is Griffin's narration. The great characters such as Tilly, Wallenstein Richelieu and Gustavus Adolphus are all keenly written.

I cannot reccomend this audiobook enough.

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