The Story of World War II Audiobook By Donald L. Miller, Henry Steele Commager cover art

The Story of World War II

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The Story of World War II

By: Donald L. Miller, Henry Steele Commager
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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About this listen

Drawing on previously unpublished eyewitness accounts, prizewinning historian Donald L. Miller has written what critics are calling one of the most powerful accounts of warfare ever published. Here are the horror and heroism of World War II in the words of the men who fought it, the journalists who covered it, and the civilians who were caught in its fury. Miller gives us an up-close, deeply personal view of a war that was more savagely fought - and whose outcome was in greater doubt - than one might imagine. This is the war that Americans on the home front would have read about had they had access to the previously censored testimony of the soldiers on which Miller builds his gripping narrative.

Miller covers the entire war - on land, at sea, and in the air - and provides new coverage of the brutal island fighting in the Pacific, the bomber war over Europe, the liberation of the death camps, and the contributions of African Americans and other minorities. He concludes with a suspenseful, never-before-told story of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, based on interviews with the men who flew the mission that ended the war.

Donald L. Miller is the John Henry MacCracken Professor of History at Lafayette College. He is a creator and associate producer of the HBO documentary He Has Seen War and has been chief consultant for numerous award-winning PBS productions. He is author of the prizewinning City of the Century: The Epic of Chicago and the Making of America.

©1945 Henry Steele Commager; renewed by Lou Reda Productions and Mary Steele Commager. Revisions; and introduction 2001 by Donald L. Miller (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
20th Century Military Modern Wars & Conflicts World War II War Prisoners of War Heartfelt Scary Thought-Provoking Imperialism Air War

Critic reviews

"This is the book that deserves to be titled The Story of World War II...." (James Bradley, New York Times best-selling author)
"A major publishing event. Donald Miller’s additions to the original account are outstanding, and the total effect is one few readers will ever forget." (David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author)
"Whenever you do a film, there’s always a book that you want in your hip pocket to settle all questions. The Story of World War II was that book." (Ken Burns, creator of the seven-part documentary The War)

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What listeners say about The Story of World War II

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Firsthand Accounts Emotional Stories Engaging Narration Personal Perspectives Vivid Details Compelling Voice
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Great stories

Chapter after Chapter the stories expand your insight into the mind of the solders in each stage of the war.
Great resource of information of first hand tells of the action from both sides of the War.
Just a Great read.

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chilling

how do you review the true horrors of War? I read many books about the major battles and Main players of World War II. I was aware good many of the atrocities committed but, never did I imagine how truly atrocious and widespread the evils committed by our enemies. this book spills out the madness that World War II was. it does so in a no-holds-barred Manor. I have never before encountered. how the young man of the United States Army, marines, Navy, and Air corps managed to function, persevere, and Triumph through such terrifying times..

this book spells out the horrors of War like no other I have read before. the book is a difficult read, but must be read.

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absolutely amazing

Gives you a whole new insight into ww2

what the men went through and the sacrifices they had to make.


A must read for anyone who is remotely interested in history.

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The best book that I have read to date about WWII.

I am very familiar with the history of WWII having read many of the finest books available about all aspects of the wars and it's different leaders. This book told story after story from a variety of participants who shared their personal perspective about some aspect of the war. I felt as though I was with them and experiencing the highs and lows of the carnage that surround them day and night. For me, this was a great read, but an often difficult one because of the new insight that I gained into the details of the life and death struggles going on constantly. We must never forget these brave Americans and allies who paid dearly for our freedom. I now cherish that freedom more than ever before and will always celebrate their courage and sacrifice.

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The most moving book I have ever read.

This is a story that has to be told, learned and remembered. The writing is exquisite. The transfer from the European theater to the Asian theater happens exactly as they should. The reminisces that are quoted are powerful and moving. A life changing book.

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Moving and all-encompassing

A truly amazing piece of history told from the perspective of the people who fought and with the reality and frankness of people who lived through and died in World War II. While hauntingly honest about the atrocities committed by the Germans and many Japanese soldiers and prison guards, it also offers intriguing insights into the minds of Axis soldiers, including a fascinating account of a Japanese pilot in command over Pearl Harbor. This book isn't focused on strategy, but it seemingly doesn't leave out any part of the war, allowing those who fought everywhere to have their say.

Another selling point is the excellent work of Michael Kramer. I've come to love his work in a very different genre, but he offers a seriousness and gravitas that an audiobook like this needs. I might consider listening to him read the phone book, but this book is a very worthy use of his voice.

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Incredible book

Incredibly good book. Very hard to put down. It's the first book I read (or listen to) about WWII, I listened to it for hours at a time. I don't think it's biased, and if it is, I didn't noticed, it makes you think of every nation involved in the war as humans, but some times as well as monsters. Very balanced, very vivid. I can't recommend it enough.

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Exception Story

I have read many a World War II book, but I have to say if you only read one book - this is it. It is that good.

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Essential human listening

This book was hard to listen to because it was so real and compelling and awful. But it is one of the grandest works I've ever "read", and I'm a lit major who has read a large portion of the great works of literature. Those of us who have little connection to the most destructive event in human history owe it to ourselves to try to comprehend it through accounts like Donald L. Miller's.

I haven't read many other pieces on WWII, and I plan to read more, but I can't imagine any will outshine this one. The first-hand accounts are balanced and penetrating. The themes covered are woven together with great skill. When it ended I was left in silent reverence - for the magnitude of events and the sacrifice made by so many.

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Amazing book. LISTEN

Crazy good book. Not just the history of the war but it is from first hand experiences which enhance the experience.

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