The Collapse of the Third Republic cover art

The Collapse of the Third Republic

An Inquiry into the Fall of France in 1940

 Preview
Try for $0.00
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

The Collapse of the Third Republic

Written by: William L. Shirer
Narrated by: Grover Gardner
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $6.99

Buy Now for $6.99

About this listen

As an international war correspondent and radio commentator, William L. Shirer didn't just research the fall of France. He was there. In just six weeks, he watched the Third Reich topple one of the world's oldest military powers - and institute a rule of terror and paranoia.

Based on in-person conversation with the leaders, diplomats, generals, and ordinary citizens who both shaped the events of this time and lived through them on a daily basis, Shirer shapes a compelling account of historical events - without losing sight of the personal experience.

From the heroic efforts of the Freedom Fighters to the tactical military misjudgments that caused the fall and the daily realities of life for French citizens under Nazi rule, this fascinating and exhaustively documented account from one of the 20th century's most important historians makes the events of the fall accessible to a younger audience in vivid and memorable style.

©2019 William L. Shirer (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Europe France Military Wars & Conflicts War Imperialism Interwar Period Soviet Union Royalty Russia Middle Ages Winston Churchill Socialism Latin America Africa
All stars
Most relevant  
This is perhaps one of the best history books I have ever read. I was, at first, a bit daunted by the length, but it was very interesting and rarely lagged. The fact that Shirer was a journalist living in Paris for many years, and witnessed the events in the 30’s, leading up to WWII, gives extra richness to his work. He was well positioned to sleuth, dig, ask, investigate and research what really went on, behind closed doors, and the result is remarkable. I have studied WWII extensively and I still learned so much. I listened to the audiobook at 2.0x and it was just right. Highly recommended.

10 stars

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Shirer is my favorite author. And Grover Gardner is my favorite narrator. Doesn't get better than this 🍿

amazing.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
While this book is dated (published 1970), and very long (1000 pages), the book is well written and well researched.
William Shirer presents a clear set of conclusions and opinions.
The book is a great addition to the library of European history of WW One to WW Two.

Excellent

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Shirer is easily one of the best authors covering the Second World War. I recommend listening or reading all of his works.

Masterful

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Except one of them was rip snorten mad and one was spent. The story was quite frustrating because with the benefit of foresight or hindsight I suppose, WWll really could have been avoided and we would have been reading stories about western Europe beating the Nazis down in the 1930s. I felt like this story didn't tell me anything that wasn't intuitive(save for the fine details) And they did it wrong.

France was very similar to Germany after WWI.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.