The Elite
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Narrated by:
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Peter Noble
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By:
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Ranulph Fiennes
About this listen
Five thousand years of military history. The best elite unites that have fought across the globe. Their story told by acclaimed adventurer and ex-SAS officer Ranulph Fiennes.
Throughout human history the art of warfare has evolved into many forms across numerous theatres, gradually becoming more sophisticated and strategised as the centuries have progressed. From the Spartans of ancient Greece with their code of valour fighting to the last man to the US Navy SEALs who operate using the latest technology of the 21st century.
Across the vast array of military campaigns and battles one can see that the majority of organised armies have been comprised of enlisted men who would have their basic training. As time progressed all countries saw the need to also have units that were the 'best of the best', that would be fit and strong and enjoy the best training and weaponry available. These elite units would be deployed to achieve extremely tough objectives, to guard a valuable fortification or person or to act as a barrier in a crisis. The term 'elite' is the ultimate accolade and one to which only the toughest would try to aspire to: undergoing intensive and harsh physical training and ultimately sacrificing themselves for the given objective.
Ranulph Fiennes himself served in Britain's toughest formation, the SAS. Since his military days he has won acclaim as an extraordinary brave and resourceful Arctic adventurer. It is fitting that he now looks back across 5,000 years of military history to pinpoint and celebrate the best elite units that served and fought across the globe.
©2019 Ranulph Fiennes (P)2019 W. F. Howes LtdListeners also enjoyed...
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
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Good job
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- Unabridged
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Broad, and High Level History
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- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
For more than 2,500 years, the forbidding territory of Afghanistan has served as a vital crossroads not only for armies but also for clashes between civilizations. As a result of the United States' engaging in armed conflict with the Afghan regime, an understanding of the military history of that blood-soaked land has become essential to every American.
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A Great Overview
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What listeners say about The Elite
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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Performance
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- J.Brock
- 09-20-20
Great Listen
Many of the reviews on the web have been unfair and very harsh in regards to this book. It is true that Ranulph Fiennes includes his own accomplishments in many of the chapters of the book. But honestly, he has so much experience that it provides a very personal take on what the special forces have to go through, from ancient to current day warfare. He's experienced the extremes in every way imaginable. This book is stacked full of knowledge that is mind-blowing.
Now the first few chapters are a bit slow, as some of the ancient battle information is a bit mundane. But it quickly speeds up, and Fiennes knowledge comes to the forefront. And then it is completely riveting.
Peter Noble always does a superb job narrating whatever he undertakes. This is no exception. It's a pleasure to listen to him.
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- Anonymous User
- 05-07-21
Yes a very good listen/lesson
Every interesting , full of information that pertain today and yesterday and lesson repeated but not learned
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