The World Crisis 1911-18 cover art

The World Crisis 1911-18

Part 1 - 1911 to 1914

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The World Crisis 1911-18

By: Sir Winston Churchill
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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About this listen

 Winston Churchill's superlative account of the prelude to and events of the First World War is a defining work of 20th-century history. With dramatic narrative power Churchill reconstructs the action on the Western and Eastern Fronts, the wars at sea and in the air and the advent of tanks and U-boats.

Rich with personal insights, the first part of Churchill's magisterial book covers the years 1911 - 1914 and includes Ireland and the European balance, the mobilization of the Navy, the invasion of France and Turkey and the Balkans.

©1959 Winston S. Churchill (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Military Weapons & Warfare World Winston Churchill War Imperialism United Kingdom U-Boat Royalty Middle Ages Submarine British Empire Interwar Period
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Loved it. The prelude to catastrophe was well explained without being too drawn out, and it was fascinating to learn more about the naval sagas in which Churchill was involved from purely his side, as he is often criticised by other historians. Interestingly, a lot of the criticism he received was during tumultuous times at the admiralty where he clearly had a lot going on all at once where his attention couldn't be solely directed. Ironically, this is a continuing theme in the next volume.

Remember, this is Churchills account in his words. Take it with a grain of salt.

Christian Rodska as narrator is brilliant. It's almost like listening to Churchill himself.

Churchill had an incredible grasp of storytelling

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Fascinating and not at all staid. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this title. Churchill's narrative is engrossing and beautifully written. Being so close to the seat of power in the UK , he was able to recount events with great authority. I will be purchasing the rest of this series.

Also Christian Rodska does a tremendous job as narrator, he sounds splendidly Churchillian.

Full of great insights.

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The account of WW1 from the point of view of Winston Churchill is a fascinating read/listen. Churchill's writing is excellent, keeping the listener engaged and entertained throughout the whole story. The beginning was a bit difficult to get through as you are thrown in amongst the turmoil leading up to the war, with many names and countries that were unfamiliar. Also, the political going ons are a bit monotonous, but once Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand is assassinated, it becomes highly entertaining.

Christian Rodska"s narration is excellent and I have to remind myself that it isn't Churchill himself speaking.

Highly recommend

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Politics has not really changed this books helps you understand the politics of this period and the thinking at the time you also realise that modern politics are not much different only the stakes were higher?.

W.S.C. at his best

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Christian Rodska's superb narration kicks off at the very beginning with the haunting poem Churchill presents as a kind of moral or dedication: the vocal inflections and timing are simply perfect, as is of course the enunciation.

Mr Rodska's narration continues to keep this high standard throughout the work. The clever turns of phrase that the author is famous for are all rendered perfectly. All sarcastic comments and witty asides are taken in their stride and presented with a stand-up comedian's sense of timing.

Churchill's writing is, of course, masterful. It should be kept in mind that this was his side of the story; there are other sides. Nevertheless, this is a singularly forceful presentation of an argument.

Never shy to talk about himself, Churchill is at his best when recounting other events. The account of initial clash of the war - comprising the battles of the frontiers and the Marne - is perhaps the highlight of this volume. Mr Rodska also presents his best at this point, converting the (presumably) dictations of last century's most titanic figure into a vivid soundscape, presenting a moving scene of death, despair, slaughter, and heroism.

Simply wonderful!

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