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Barbarossa

How Hitler Lost the War

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Barbarossa

By: Jonathan Dimbleby
Narrated by: Jonathan Dimbleby
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's invasion of Russia in June 1941, aimed at nothing less than a war of extermination to annihilate Soviet communism, liquidate the Jews and create Lebensraum for the German master race. But it led to the destruction of the Third Reich, and was cataclysmic for Germany with millions of men killed, wounded or registered as missing in action. It was this colossal mistake—rather than any action in Western Europe—that lost Hitler the Second World War.

Drawing on hitherto unseen archival material, including previously untranslated Russian sources, Jonathan Dimbleby puts Barbarossa in its proper place in history for the first time. From its origins in the ashes of the First World War to its impact on post-war Europe, and covering the military, political and diplomatic story from all sides, he paints a full and vivid picture of this monumental campaign whose full nature and impact has remained unexplored.

At the heart of the narrative, written in Dimbleby's usual gripping style, are compelling descriptions of the leaders who made the crucial decisions, of the men and women who fought on the front lines, of the soldiers who committed heinous crimes on an unparalleled scale and of those who were killed when the Holocaust began. Hitler's fatal gamble had the most terrifying of consequences.

Written with authority and humanity, Barbarossa is a masterwork that transforms our understanding of the Second World War and of the twentieth century.

©2021 Jonathan Dimbleby (P)2021 Penguin Audio
Eastern Europe Military Russia Western Europe War Soviet Union Imperialism Holocaust Thought-Provoking Inspiring Stalin Socialism Royalty Interwar Period

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All stars
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absolutely loved it- I've always enjoyed history, but at 72 years old I have at last been able to join up the dots of the 2nd World War with such clarity and understanding that the lay person needs!
A big thank you to Jonathan Dimbleby, and with his own voice, a Double Whammy!

at last, so clear!

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book in every respect. It cleared up many of my misunderstandings and was rich and interesting in all respects..

Excellent in all respects

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Well told and balanced account of a pivotal moment in 20th century history. Now the world needs to band together to defeat communism and it's invasive nature.

got what they deserved.

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Brilliant book from start to finish, I've read Beevors "Stalingrad",this book is up there with it. Brilliantly narrated, the victims figures are astounding.and the battles are laid bare infont of the reader. This was the turning point of the war and well worth a listen

Astounding

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Filled many gaps in my knowledge of the Second world war and took me into the heart of suffering humanity, military strategy and political intrigue. Jonathan Dimbleby's narration set a perfect tone and conveyed the solemnity of unfolding events. Hard to listen to at times but equally hard to abandon. Highly recommended.

Fascinating, harrowing and Informative

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All elements of barbarossa covered in this tale, including Hitlers rise to power just in case you were unaware of the steps that might have actually contributed to Hitlers decision to invade the soviet union. As I would confess there are so many variables I didn't know about behind the scenes you can understand alot more of the decisions taken.

Utterly Comprehensive

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I'd recommend this audio book. the Dimbleys all seem blessed with compelling voices. I know more now, than prior to listening. though not as detailed as a Beavor tome.

Not perfect, but not too nerdy

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I don't do reviews, normally... but this has been the best audible book IMHOfor people interested in this subject, for a long time. For me I just want to go back to the start again. Massive detail. Great book. Highly Recommend. Thank you so much David. Most Appreciated. Kind Regards TGD

The detail was amazing. Thank You

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love this book Jonathan writes and performs superbly, a must for all war history buffs.

an excellent account

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Excellent and engaging book thoroughly enjoyable audio version, although the book does wander a little in places 🙂

Excellent and engaging

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