The Arms of Krupp Audiobook By William Manchester cover art

The Arms of Krupp

1587-1968

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The Arms of Krupp

By: William Manchester
Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
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In this narrative of extraordinary richness, depth, and authority, America's preeminent biographer/historian explored the German national character as no other writer has done. The Arms of Krupp brings to life Europe's wealthiest, most powerful family, a 400-year German dynasty that developed the world's most technologically advanced weapons, from cannons to submarines to antiaircraft guns; provided arms to generations of German leaders, including the Kaiser and Hitler; operated private concentration camps during the Nazi era; survived conviction at Nuremberg; and wielded enormous influence on the course of world events. William Manchester's galvanizing account of the rise and fall of the Krupp dynasty is history as it should be written - alive with all its terrifying power.

©1968 William Manchester (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe Germany Military Wars & Conflicts World War I War Imperialism Russia Soviet Union Air Force Royalty
Fascinating Historical Saga • Comprehensive Family History • Superb Storytelling • Detailed Historical Context
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The narrator, Paul Boehmer, was superb. His intonation, and specifically, his excellent German literacy made the entire history of The Arms of Krupp come alive. It was hard to put this 972 page book down - in large part because of Mr. Boehmer’s narration. I read the book and followed the narrative with very satisfactory result. I found myself frequently replaying entire sections of his narrative, each time finding deeper meaning and a better understanding of this fascinating world, business and political history. There are volumes of historical value in each chapter. This book and the skilled narration illuminated multiple aspects of World War II history I had been overlooking for more than 50 years of reading, and research. I am most grateful to Audible, William Manchester and especially, Mr. Boehmer for a tremendous experience and terrific learning opportunity. Upon reflection, I was most disappointed to see such a family history come to an end because of its prodigy’s lack of responsibility and interest. History can highlight many disappointing aspects of life and human frailties. Nonetheless, all in all an exceptional education and experience. Well done - all!

Exceptional in Every Regard!

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Manchester is the best and the story of Germany thru the Krupp lens is fascinating

Manchester!

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This book is an exceptional history which brings the past alive. I had wanted to buy this as soon as it came out but I was put off by other reviewers who reported a missing section. This error has been fixed as far as I can tell. Many people complain about the heavy use of German but translations are provided for almost everything and one wonders why you would read this dense study of a German family without at least some rudimentary German skills. The reader's pronunciation is good in most spots but he curiously mispronounces Gebiet every time he says it. The scattered French in the book is the only foreign language that goes untranslated every time. I felt like this book helped me understand the Prussian state better and its involvement in world affairs from 1860s to the post war era. Fabulous reading when read in concert with the book about the history of the Prussian state.

Superb history and journalism

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The writer, subject and book are excellent.

But the he narrator sounds like he/it might be either AI, a robot / or just contains portions which are badly edited in post.

Big great Manchester Book but A.I. narrator?

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This book follows the Krupp family in fantastic detail and precision. The narration is flawless and the fact that german words and phrases are sprinkled in to the text gives the book extra spice. Overall fantastic reading and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in German history.

Fantastic story and narration

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I loved this book. It was exceptionally accurate and it didn’t shy away from the duplicitous nature of the Krupp family. Anyone who believes this book’s bias is a bad thing is a fool—the main Krupps beginning with Alfred were horrible people. Alfred engaged in illegal and almost unbelievable international tampering to sell more guns, held views on labor that, even in his own time, were considered villainously excessive, and was a merchant of death to boot. His son Friedrich was a pedophile, and possessed a cruel and craven nature that led to him institutionalizing his perfectly sane wife to prevent her from revealing his deviancy. All the Krupps following Friedrich were fanatical Nazis. The only problem I have with this book, is it’s forgiving tone towards Bertha, who, owned the concern, knew of the slave labor and atrocities it was being used for, and chose to turn a blind eye.

The excellent narration and superbly interesting writing kept me engaged throughout the entire book

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No other book will ever tell this story so well. That Manchester dug in and stood his moral ground at a time when Nazi apologism was politically expedient and culturally ubiquitous is part of what makes this book definitive and timeless.

Classic

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A compelling story well told. It takes many hours to listen to the Audiobook version, but it is time well spent.

The Arms of Krupp

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Fascinating overview of a powerful German family. Long and detailed but very interesting, particularly if you like WWI and WWII stories.

Long but interesting

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What did you love best about The Arms of Krupp?

Unusual history.

What did you like best about this story?

The international aspect of Krup contracts and the details about the family.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His German pronunciation seems affected and clumsy. His pronunciation of the word Krup* was completely distracting. Every time he said Kkkkkruuup, unlike any person I have EVER heard, in Germany or America, I lost my place. It was very distracting and actually interfered and interrupted my listening. English or American pronunciations of foreign titles, names, or places always annoy me - especially when the correction is simple - but this guy is in a class all his own. He almost manages to roll the K; I can't believe the editors or people helping him record this didn't say something. I can only assume they don't speak German and never hear it spoken.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Comprehensive.

What a terrible narrator!

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