Audiobooks by William Manchester

The War: Stories of Life and Death From World War II

No one knew it was going to be that bad. World War II killed some 60 million people—20 million of them soldiers—and inflicted wounds, bereavement, poverty and suffering on countless others.But such destruction was an impossible to imagine in advance as it was for young pilots-in-training to imagine their coming fiery deaths; or for Jews to foresee their last moments in the gas chambers; or for parents to imagine their children killed by the mortars and bullets and other munitions that factories churned out in such enormous quantities. As impossible, perhaps, as it is for us to imagine a disaster of similar scale in our future.The War presents an unforgettable mosaic of memoirs from soldiers, citizens and historians, detailing the immense tragedy that stretched from the Western Front to the Pacific Theater.

A.J. Liebling, Cornelius Ryan, David Kenyon Webster, James J. Fahey, Janet Flanner, Lewis H. Carlson., Paul Fussell, William Manchester (Author), Barrett Whitener, Colleen Delany., Grover Gardner, Terrence Aselford (Narrator)

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An Audio Bundle: Blood & The War

In Blood, the Civil War, the most dramatic moment in this nation's history, also produced some of our greatest literature. From tragic charges to prison escapes to the desolation wrought on those who stayed behind, Blood is an extraordinary collection of reminiscences, fiction, and excerpts from diaries and letters by an array of soldiers, writers and observers that includes Abraham Lincoln, General George Pickett, Walt Whitman, Ulysses S. Grant and Stephen Crane. In The War, no one knew it was going to be that bad. World War II killed some 60 million people-20 million of them soldiers-and inflicted wounds, bereavement, poverty and suffering on countless others. But such destruction was an impossible to imagine in advance as it was for young pilots-in-training to imagine their coming fiery deaths; or for Jews to foresee their last moments in the gas chambers; or for parents to imagine their children killed by the mortars and bullets and other munitions that factories churned out in such enormous quantities. As impossible, perhaps, as it is for us to imagine a disaster of similar scale in our future. The War presents an unforgettable mosaic of memoirs from soldiers, citizens and historians, detailing the immense tragedy that stretched from the Western Front to the Pacific Theater.

A.J. Liebling, Abraham Lincoln, Adeline Grey, Cornelius Ryan, David Kenyon Webster, George Pickett, George T. Stevens, James J. Fahey, Janet Flanner, John Mcelroy, Lewis H. Carlson., Lt. Colonel W.W. Blackford, Paul Fussell, Sarah Morgan Dawson, Stephen Crane, Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Ulysses S. Grant, Walt Whitman, William Manchester, William T. Sherman (Author), Barrett Whitener, Christopher Graybill, Colleen Delany., Delores King Williams, Grover Gardner, Terrence Aselford (Narrator)

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Portrait of a President

An up-close look at John F. Kennedy by one of his closest confidants, a New York Times–bestselling biographer Written by a prize-winning historian and biographer of such giants as Winston S. Churchill and Douglas MacArthur, this intimately detailed account provides a rare personal glimpse into the emotions behind the Kennedy administration—from the elation of victory to the frustrating challenges facing a young president at a pivotal turning point in US history. Originally published in 1962—before the assassination of JFK—Portrait of a President is William Manchester’s first biography of the thirty-fifth president of the United States. In addition to firsthand encounters with JFK, the biography draws from over forty interviews conducted in the first year of his presidency. In speaking with those closest to the commander-in-chief, both in his administration and his family, Manchester captures a complete portrait of one of the most highly regarded figures of the twentieth century. This edition includes a new introduction and epilogue written by Manchester in the aftermath of November 1963, adding to the mythos by documenting not just how President Kennedy lived but also the legacy he left behind.

William Manchester (Author), Joe Barrett (Narrator)

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The Arms of Krupp: 1587-1968

In this narrative of extraordinary richness, depth, and authority, America's preeminent biographer/historian explored the German national character as no other writer has done. The Arms of Krupp brings to life Europe's wealthiest, most powerful family, a four-hundred-year German dynasty that developed the world's most technologically advanced weapons, from cannons to submarines to anti-aircraft guns; provided arms to generations of German leaders, including the kaiser and Hitler; operated private concentration camps during the Nazi era; survived conviction at Nuremberg; and wielded enormous influence on the course of world events. William Manchester's galvanizing account of the rise and fall of the Krupp dynasty is history as it should be written-alive with all its terrifying power.

William Manchester (Author), Paul Boehmer (Narrator)

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Controversy, and Other Essays in Journalism, 1950-1975

"The writing of Death of a President, William Manchester's award-winning account of President Kennedy's assassination, is the topic of the title essay in this collection, as it was a controversy like few others, pitting one of the most prominent historians of the day against Jackie Kennedy, the most famous, and private, widow in the world. The seventy-six page essay provides an insider's account of the struggle to see the book published. The rest of this sweeping collection examines the time period between World War II and the Vietnam era. It is an account that is both exactingly accurate and a pleasure to hear."

William Manchester (Author), Arthur Morey (Narrator)

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One Brief Shining Moment: Remembering Kennedy

William Manchester was an adjunct professor of history and writer-in-residence at Wesleyan University, as well as author of Portrait of a President, and The Death of a President. But before that, he was friends with John F. Kennedy for nearly two decades, and in this book puts aside the glaring tragedy of JFK's death to celebrate the brightness of his life. Manchester recalls in intimate detail everything from family gatherings at Hyannis Port, to grueling campaign trips, and quiet evenings alone with the President in the White House family quarters. The resulting portrait provides listeners with myriad anecdotes and insights into a life of a man that bristled with vigor, competitiveness, and an unflagging drive for excellence, and shone with elegance, intelligence, and compassion. The book was important when it was first published, but now fills a new role as an antidote to the wave of political disillusionment in America.

William Manchester (Author), Malcolm Hillgartner (Narrator)

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The Death of a President: November 20–November 25, 1963

As the world still reeled from the tragic and historic events of November 22, 1963, William Manchester set out, at the request of the Kennedy family, to create a detailed, authoritative record of President John F. Kennedy’s death, including the days immediately preceding and following the assassination. Through hundreds of interviews, extensive travel, and firsthand observation, and with unique access to the proceedings of the Warren Commission, Manchester conducted an exhaustive historical investigation, accumulating forty-five volumes of documents, exhibits, and transcribed tapes. His ultimate objective—to set down as a whole the national and personal tragedy that was JFK’s assassination—is brilliantly achieved in this galvanizing narrative, a book universally acclaimed as a landmark work of modern history. “A work of considerable fascination…it is startlingly evocative.”—Thomas Mallon, New York Times bestselling author

Edith Sheffer, William Manchester (Author), Joe Barrett (Narrator)

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The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Vol. 3: Defender of the Realm, 1940-1965

Spanning the years 1940 to 1965, Defender of the Realm, the third volume of William Manchester's The Last Lion, picks up shortly after Winston Churchill became prime minister-when his tiny island nation stood alone against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. The Churchill portrayed by Manchester and Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning-fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action. This volume brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation's military response and defense, compelled President Roosevelt to support America's beleaguered cousins, and personified the "never surrender" ethos that helped the Allies win the war, while at the same time adapting himself and his country to the inevitable shift of world power from the British Empire to the United States. More than twenty years in the making, The Last Lion presents a revelatory and unparalleled portrait of this brilliant, flawed, and dynamic leader. This is popular history at its most stirring.

Eric Garner, Paul Reid, William Manchester (Author), Clive Chafer (Narrator)

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The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill, Vol. 3: Defender of the Realm, 1940–1965

Spanning the years 1940 to 1965, Defender of the Realm, the third volume of William Manchester’s The Last Lion, picks up shortly after Winston Churchill became prime minister—when his tiny island nation stood alone against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. The Churchill portrayed by Manchester and Reid is a man of indomitable courage, lightning-fast intellect, and an irresistible will to action. This volume brilliantly recounts how Churchill organized his nation’s military response and defense, compelled President Roosevelt to support America’s beleaguered cousins, and personified the “never surrender” ethos that helped the Allies win the war, while at the same time adapting himself and his country to the inevitable shift of world power from the British Empire to the United States. More than twenty years in the making, The Last Lion presents a revelatory and unparalleled portrait of this brilliant, flawed, and dynamic leader. This is popular history at its most stirring.

Paul Reid, William Manchester (Author), Clive Chafer (Narrator)

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The Glory and the Dream: A Narrative History of America, 1932–1972

This great time capsule of a book captures the abundant popular history of the United States from 1932 to 1972. It encompasses politics, military history, economics, the arts, science, fashion, fads, social change, sexual mores, communications, graffiti—everything and anything indigenous that can be captured in print. Masterfully compressing four crowded decades of our history, The Glory and the Dream relives the epic, significant, or just memorable events that befell the generation of Americans whose lives pivoted between the America before and the America after the Second World War. From the Great Depression through the second inauguration of Richard M. Nixon, Manchester breathes life into this great period of America’s growth. “Magnificent.”--New York Times

William Manchester (Author), Jeff Riggenbach (Narrator)

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Disturber of the Peace: The Life of H. L. Mencken

This fine biography of H. L. Mencken tells of how he rose to his unique position as comic genius and pre-eminent critic of American culture. It is the story of a man whose massive power of invective inspired and infuriated his contemporaries and whose popularity and unpopularity mounted with the frenzied pace of the 1920s. Mencken sounded a loud, jarring note to a world governed by conformity and never hesitated to express his contempt for every kind of hypocrite, fake, and narrow-minded censor. Here also is Mencken's human side, not just his rambunctious wit but also his courtesy and hospitality, his support of struggling writers, and his personal foibles. What emerges is a compelling portrait of an extraordinary man.First released in 1951, this edition includes a new introduction and final chapter.

William Manchester (Author), Anthony Heald (Narrator)

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American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964

Virtually all Americans above a certain age hold strong opinions about Douglas MacArthur. Endowed with arrogance, great charm, an iron will, and a soaring intellect, General MacArthur was a fascinating paradox: a man whose character was elevated by his vision but destroyed by his own tragic flaws. "Listening to Parker, one imagines a jovial uncle delivering a slap on the back and sitting down to describe war experiences in a rich voice filled with humor and pathos. The "you-are-there" quality grabs and holds. This is a carefully done, seamless audio presentation." -AudioFile

William Manchester (Author), Tom Parker (Narrator)

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