Milestones to Disasters: The Second World War (Condensed) Series, Book 1

The Second World War (Condensed edition) #1

by Winston S. Churchill, Christian Rodska

Churchill's history of the Second World War is, and will remain, the definitive work. Lucid, dramatic, remarkable, for its breadth and sweep and for its sense of personal involvement, it is universally acknowledged as a magnificent reconstruction. Milestones To Disaster is the first book in Churchill's account.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, War, Military History, World War II

MP3 Book

First published April 23, 2002

About the author

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, politician and writer, as prime minister from 1940 to 1945 and from 1951 to 1955 led Great Britain, published several works, including The Second World War from 1948 to 1953, and then won the Nobel Prize for literature.

William Maxwell Aitken, first baron Beaverbrook, held many cabinet positions during the 1940s as a confidant of Churchill.

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), served the United Kingdom again. A noted statesman, orator and strategist, Churchill also served as an officer in the Army. This prolific author "for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values."

Out of respect for Winston_Churchill, the well-known American author, Winston S. Churchill offered to use his middle initial as an author.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston...

Reviews

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the horrible story of the events leading to the start of the war.
Reread some 50 years later, still 4 stars. Riveting history by the most important figure in the war. I am going through this series again to revisit the evils and follies of nations. The errors of judgement by the European politicians and military were both unspeakable and unbelievable. On the side of evil on the one hand and blind pacifism on the other.
Churchill does attach more share of the blame to the U.S. than can really be justified, considering just 20 years earlier we had to rescue Europe from their own stupidity. We obviously wanted no more of that and understandably did not pay enough attention to the fact that the Europeans were actually stupid enough to let it happen again. Unbelievably, the Europeans still today do not understand that if you want peace, you must prepare for war.

[Chris Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churchill's six volume history of the Second World War sat on my parents' bookshelves for decades and now sit on mine, unopened. I was therefore grateful to see that BBC Audio has produced Churchill's abridged history (four volumes rather than six) on CD, narrated by an actor with a passable immitation of Churchill's speaking style. Churchill himself said: "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it" and it is with this in mind that you need to approach these books. Nevertheless, it is an excellent introduction to the subject which can be supplemented by visits to the internet to get greater insight by viewing maps of territories and movements of troops mentioned and the various other viewpoints given on the battles, apart from Churchill's. I particularly enjoyed hearing the history of Chamberlin's "peace in our time", Quisling and the Molotov cocktail in this volumne. Churchill's inclusions of details of his own personal life - bricklaying the kitchen in the days leading up to the declaration of war and his recommendations about the benefits of the nap add additional interest and humanity to these pages.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winston Churchill's history of the Second World War. Showing the British insider's perspective on the rise of Adolf Hitler, the steps of appeasement and then invasion of Poland and the declarations of war.

Why I started this book: The second book Their Finest Hour was on the Navy's Professional Reading list, but it seemed strange to just read one book in the series.

Why I finished it: Loved listening to the narrator's accent... and I have a growing urge to go watch all of Foyle's War again.

Side note: Churchill's history of the Second World War was originally published in six volumes:
1. The Gathering Storm
2. Their Finest Hour
3. The Grand Alliance
4. The Hinge of Fate
5. Closing the Ring
6. Triumph and Tragedy
Churchill then condensed these into four volumes, which have since been released as one, rather hefty, publication. The audio version of the unabridged recordings of Churchill's condensed volume, divided into four parts, as follows:
1. The Second World War: Milestones to Disaster
2. Alone: The Second World War (Condensed) Series, Book 2
3. The Grand Alliance
4. Triumph and Tragedy

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume was written after WWII, but in a sense, carries on from where Churchill left off in 1918/9 and the end of the first world war. Two quotes sum up this book for me. The first was Churchill quoting Gibbon, "History…is, indeed, little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind." The second sums up the period between the wars, "Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves."

Churchill recounts mistakes, misunderstandings, missed opportunities, failure to understand the situation in Germany and naive hopes that war could be averted. England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Soviet Russia, Norway, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, America even, all misunderstood the situation in Germany. No one except Germany wanted war again. The continent suffered from a severe bout of post traumatic stress. And even Germany, for the Nazis would never had happened without the humiliation of Germany at the end of the war. The Nazis were a way of saving face.

But this wasn't really an account of the rise of the Nazis, although Churchill does cover that. It is more an account of how Britain in particular and other countries in general failed to prepare themselves for the Nazi threat.

This is a timely book to read because I see so many parallels with the rise of Vladimir Putin in Russia and the increasing threat of China under Xi Jinping. Ukraine is like Poland maybe. Georgia is like Czechoslovakia. In any case, the west is ill prepared for the new world order. It's a scary time and I worry for the future. But where is our Churchill? Maybe the time is yet to come. I just pray that we are spared the horrors of another world war, one that could easily tip into the nuclear sphere.

[Rich Hasler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing account and such insights in the mind and character of a true statesman. The revisionists must be attacking this with a furor these days of petty and inept "leadership" or simply absent leadership. For me the story is chilling. we are seeing the world stagger towards global conflict and feel the distraction of its leaders by non issues. Yet, Churchill himself noted that no challenge is ever the same. WWI did not present the same challenges as WWII. It is just that there seems to be no one prepared to lead. We have a leadership vacuum that is abysmal and challenges like we have never seen.

[Paul Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of a set of four books Winston Churchill wrote, documenting WWII and his involvement. It is a fantastic read from a historical sense, but even more amazing is the perspective he provides on the political disaster that precipitated WWII. A dry historical textbook on the same accounts would not have nearly the drama and feeling that comes through from his own accounts of political figures, generals, English leaders and evil powers. I can't wait to read the second volume.

[Jeff Yoak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm going to come back to this. It both requires more attention than my bits of time while commuting allow and could use some more background on the history of the war before I start. I love the writing style and the information is excellent, but I need an overview of the history before I can appreciate this first-hand account. It is too much written as commentary on what everyone must have known when it was written for me to be able to get all I should from it.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and timely.
I could never have imagined that the events leading up to WWII could be written in such an enticing way. I was also unaware that Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. This book makes it clear why.

The narrative is fantastic, and the audiobook, read by Christian Rodska, is perfect. Knowing it is history makes it an invaluable treasure. It should be mandatory reading in any European country. Although it presents a rather biased perspective, given Churchill’s central role, witnessing the failures and errors of powerful and respected figures reminds us of our shared humanity. A world full of flaws, but for that reason, livable.

It’s also a very timely read, considering the aggression of Russia and Israel toward their neighbors. We must remember past mistakes to avoid repeating them. Hopefully, our political leaders read books like this.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theatrical, informative, glorious, compelling, with glowing coals of humour as well as the occasional Hemingway-esque aside that caught me completely by surprise. I have never found anyone who used the word 'good' with such considered intention until listening to this, and it has made me think quite differently about the meanings of words we take for granted. A complete masterpiece.

[PJ Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

His writing is superb and his perspective unrivaled (as he reminds you along the way). If you've never taken the time to read the larger volumes of literature from either Mansfield or Shirer, then this will suit you just as well. The problem will be, as is with all of the literature surrounding these momentous events, that there is so much to say and take in, and it can be a bit overwhelming. What I like about Churchill's narrative is how he seeks to summarize again and again what was going on at different points in the narrative.

There may not have been a man more gifted in his generation with the use of the English language. The man was brilliant, powerful and eloquent in his writing. I will just note that you'd need to know a little something about the history of the situation and some world events to really grasp some of the assumptions in his narrative style.

NOTE: This edition - the first volume - of Churchill's recollections on the lead up and start of WWII covers mostly volume one of his 6 volume WWII narrative. Overall the 6 were condensed/abridged by him and put into 4 volumes and this is the first of those volumes, though not much seems to be missing whatsoever (I followed along in the hard cover edition).

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to this on audiobook, read by Christian Rodska. Excellent. Churchill's perspective is of course priceless.

Excellent read, VERY VERY worthwhile.

[Jarrod Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all the heads of state to have influence on the course of events during world war two, none was a better wordsmith than Winston S. Churchill. From a political non entity in the pre war years, Churchill's heeding of a remilitarised Germany accompanied by a one party state was prophetic. Britain in the 1930's was a nation set on peace at any cost, in this atmosphere Churchill was labelled a war monger. His constant attempts to improve the Royal Air Force's fighting strength came to null. While Churchill rallied for a tough stance on territorial aggression on the continent, the political leaders of the nation were set on a path of appeasement. This policy saw Mussolini march the Italian army into Abyssinia, while the infinitely stronger British Mediterranean fleet sat idle in an effort to dissuade Mussolini from becoming too friendly with the Germans, as well as keeping the Italians firmly on the Anglo-French side of continental relationships. This attempt by Britain and France to confine themselves to old school realpolitik had not changed since the First World War. In Europes rapidly changing political landscape, these old imperialist powers could not keep up with the times.

After Hitler's announcement of re armament, the French and British were well within their right to impose sanctions or even take military action to enforce the limitations of the treaty of versailles. All the League Of Nations could amount to was a strong condemnation. This lack of effort to enforce the treaty gave Hitler to confidence to re-militarise the Rhine. Still nothing happened in rebuke. It wasn't until Hitler went against his promise and cut up the remains of Czechoslovakia that prime minister Neville Chamberlain became aware of Hitler's true intentions.

The outcome of military action later taken by Germany in Scandinavia saw a crisis emerge in the British parliament. A vote of no confidence was called, however Chamberlain managed to keep his government together by a decent margin. Although after years of political defeats and embarrassments, Chamberlain knew his time was up. At the same time, Germany launched an invasion of Belgium, Holland and France. In this moment of immense importance for the survival of the nation, the Chamberlain government was dissolved. There could only be one man with the will power and determination to rule in his stead.

[Rupert Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five volumes of Churchill's memoirs of the Second World War have been sitting on my bookshelf staring at me for some years now. I thought that lockdown was a good opportunity to read them.

I have read books about Churchill, but this is the first book by him that I have read. Despite its rather daunting size and subject matter, I found this to be a very readable book. No wonder Churchill was such a successful journalist. His writing style is lucid, light and gripping. It keeps you bounding along from one anecdote to the next, one memorable quote to the next and one pen portrait of a person to the next. Gripping stuff.

As well as being a good read, this book takes a very personal view of the build up to war. It really is about Churchill's actions, words and views as the world slides towards conflict. He highlights issues and events that were important to him at the time, not necessarily those that later historians think were important in hindsight. A unique persepctive. It must be said that I did not realise the way that Churchill, as an ex-cabinet minister and scion of an aristocratic family, had such wide ranging access to government staff and papers. It puts a different gloss on his warnings of German aims and rearmaments. Of course, Churchill comes out of all this very well - but I suppose he would as he wrote the book. On the other hand he does admit his errors when he makes them.

Despite having gone over this ground many times, I learned new things. I did not appreciate, for instance, that Stalin had tried to come to terms with the UK and France against Germany before chucking in his hand with Hitler in 1939. I did not realise the vacillations of Mussolini's policy changes, and had no idea that there were reasons other than evil fascist empire-building for his invasion of Abyssinia.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the period, in CHurchill or in history in general.

[Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember to put the 1945 glasses on before starting this book - otherwise, liberal parts of you may be deeply offended. While I found myself disagreeing with Churchill on several topics (his imperialism being a most obvious example), I couldn't help noticing countless similarities to current geopolitical events. While I am generally a pacifist (Churchill would have despised me for that :) ), I had to agree with his view that the policy of appeasement was - and is - a not the one to be used on "bully" countries like Nazi Germany. These countries and their leader operate on a small-dog principle: bark as loud as you can and you might get away with it. Europe (and USA) made this mistake in 1930s and paid a terrible price in the 1940s.

It looks like we are making a similar mistake today, with - hopefully - two major differences working in our favour: 1) German discipline (economic and military) and 2) Hitler's did not face actual military opposition before attacking Poland, and even then he was helped by Soviets attacking from the other side.

Churchill is writing about those events with the benefit of a hindsight - we should use it as a foresight.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting account of the more political strains of the thirties during at the time in which Germany started it's path to war. The very detailed information Churchill gives is interesting and he has a very formal and theatrical way of speaking, however it's important to take some of this with a grain of salt since it's very clear he has a Main character kind of personality and always finds excuses to exempt himself from any wrongdoings or mishandlings, instead, blaming them on others, or the times in general. He has a very "only I can save the world" type of attitude which at times can be eye rolling but this is overall still a very interesting read into the history of WW2.

[Simon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read! I mean, truly fascinating! Understanding the political landscape across different countries and the inter-relationships that existed and affected things in the lead-up to the 2nd Works War has brought a while new level of understanding to me. It feels like a balanced, very honest and fair account, albeit written within a mildly melodramatic prose, but that feels consistent with my limited understanding of Churchill. I am now eagerly making my way through the other 3 volumes.

[Anatolii Miroshnychenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history repeats itself. Not only on the side of aggressor (Hitler’s “No more territorial demands to make in Europe” after Sudetes, Putin’s “Russia is not going to attack Ukraine and NATO” after Donbass and Crimea), but also on the side of the civilized world, which applies the same appeasement towards Putin, which was applied towards Hitler.
But while repeating itself, history teaches that it teaches nothing.

[Gregg Hlavacek · Rating 3 out of 5]

He really belabored the point of the German aggression and armament while Europe sat idly by over and over again to the point of being annoying to the reader. I get it. War prep wasn't what it should be. Hitler could have been stopped at multiple junctures. But this book could have been half as long as more effective.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have very strong memories of my deceased father reading this series by Churchill. I bought this book out of curiosity and found it oddly comforting. Churchill's prose is extraordinary and the topic interesting. Note: I am not endorsing his more problematic views and actions, simply commenting on this book.

[Simon deVeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leading up to what Churchill would eventually call the unnecessary war there were countless times when the allies could have thwarted the rising Third Reich. The first book of this multipart series focuses on events at the end of the first world war, up to the beginning of Hitler's aggression. Great record of facts leading up

[JP Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an historian, I was impressed by the intricate details often left out of history due to their "boring" nature. However, Churchill related this through his eyes and included details that were not only historically important but allowed for a "fleshing out" of why the Second World War had to occur. I am looking forward to the second volume.

[Vince Mattaliano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most outstanding books on the beginnings of the second world war, that I have ever read! One of the outstanding items, was Churchill's engaging ability as an author. Anyone who hasn't had a chance to experience a first person account beginnings World War II should read this volume. I can't wait to go through the other volumes in this series.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fabulous especially to read it from a person so fully involved and associated with world war 2. There is obvious bias going in, and yet that is in part what makes this such a fascinating read. Churchill has a gift for words and elegance. This is very well written and well researched this is a history not a remembrance.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being both history from one man's point of view and a memoir, this is an astonishing and amazingly well-written account of the misjudgements and fumblings that led up to the outbreak of the Second World War. Despite being a flawed individual, Churchill was both a political colossus and a great writer. Also, this audio version is superbly read. Sublime!

[dennis Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was told these books were good and if this first one is anything to go by I can’t wait to read the others. Winston is such a great writer and this book is shocking and truthful so many errors at the end of the First World War and before the Second World War but alas it still happened Winston is now in charge so I think we will win!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook- I have thoroughly enjoyed volume 1 of this 6 volume memoir. Churchill has put his thoughts, diaries and other sources into a largely chronological order charting the course of the war.
He also brings in some humanity in it, talking of building work and the benefits of naps and peaceful sleeping.
This brings a whole new dimension to war memoirs from the angle of the man at the top.

[Joseph Ficklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Churchill writes of his own experiences and observations in the lead up to the Second World War, up until the moment when he becomes Prime Minister in spring 1940. Much of it is him going “I told you so,” to the Labour Party. But it is fascinating to have a detailed account of all of the diplomatic decisions that led to September 1st, 1939, and that it need not have happened as it did.

[Ishmael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to say, I can't imagine this read by any other than Christian Rodska. It's like listening to Christian Baskous reading Charles Bukowski. In my head, their voices are coming out of the mouths of Churchill and Bukowski themselves.

[Robert K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Churchill makes his case for War with Germany by exposing Hitler’s military buildup & intentions for conquest. But for Churchill, Great Britain & the western world would have been overrun by the cagey German dictator.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autohagiography with all the panache and wonderfully grand literary style you'd expect from Churchill. The minutiae of pre-war politics is a bit of a slog but it picks up quickly once getting closer to the start of the war. It started by feeling too long but ended feeling too short.