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Ardennes 1944: The Battle of the Bulge

Unabridged Audio Book

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Sean Barrett

14 Hours 35 Minutes

Penguin Audio

November 2015

Audio Book Summary

The prizewinning historian and bestselling author of D-Day, Stalingrad, and The Battle of Arnhem reconstructs the Battle of the Bulge in this riveting new account
 
On December 16, 1944, Hitler launched his ‘last gamble’ in the snow-covered forests and gorges of the Ardennes in Belgium, believing he could split the Allies by driving all the way to Antwerp and forcing the Canadians and the British out of the war. Although his generals were doubtful of success, younger officers and NCOs were desperate to believe that their homes and families could be saved from the vengeful Red Army approaching from the east. Many were exultant at the prospect of striking back.

The allies, taken by surprise, found themselves fighting two panzer armies. Belgian civilians abandoned their homes, justifiably afraid of German revenge. Panic spread even to Paris. While some American soldiers, overwhelmed by the German onslaught, fled or surrendered, others held on heroically, creating breakwaters which slowed the German advance.
 
The harsh winter conditions and the savagery of the battle became comparable to the Eastern Front. In fact the Ardennes became the Western Front’s counterpart to Stalingrad. There was terrible ferocity on both sides, driven by desperation and revenge, in which the normal rules of combat were breached. The Ardennes—involving more than a million men—would prove to be the battle which finally broke the back of the Wehrmacht.
 
In this deeply researched work, with striking insights into the major players on both sides, Antony Beevor gives us the definitive account of the Ardennes offensive which was to become the greatest battle of World War II.

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Reviews

  • Anonymous

    I thought this book was amazing, gave a detailed account of what led up to the battle and in great detail on what each side faced.

    Book Rating

  • Kenneth D.

    I enjoyed the book very much that seemed like a great detailed story of the battle of the Bulge! The author kept switching between the German and American point of view and I had a hard time remembering who he was talking about while listening. The narrator was very good in pronouncing both German, French and Belgium cities and names! I have a greater respect for the soldiers in the field and a lowered opinion of the Generals with giant egos!

    Book Rating

  • richard s

    It was an extremely enjoyable experience listen and learning from this audio. I have read many books regarding the Bulge Battle and by far this story went behind the scenes to let you understand what the Generals were thinking as well as the average foot soldier. The Narration was top notch and I was sorry when this story came to an end. A must read for any WW2 or history buff!

    Book Rating

  • Thomas Doyle

    Ardennes1944 was an excellent book.i thought the narrator was excellent! There were many human interest story's .Great insight into both sides of the struggle.If there is a better account of this battle I would be surprised!

    Book Rating