The Arms of Krupp

1587-1968

De: William Manchester

Narrado por: Paul Boehmer

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 400-year German dynasty that developed the world's most technologically advanced weapons, from cannons to submarines to antiaircraft 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.

©1968 William Manchester (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Exceptional in Every Regard!

The narrator, Paul Boehmer, was superb. His intonation, and specifically, his excellent German literacy made the entire history of The Arms of Krupp come alive. It was hard to put this 972 page book down - in large part because of Mr. Boehmer’s narration. I read the book and followed the narrative with very satisfactory result. I found myself frequently replaying entire sections of his narrative, each time finding deeper meaning and a better understanding of this fascinating world, business and political history. There are volumes of historical value in each chapter. This book and the skilled narration illuminated multiple aspects of World War II history I had been overlooking for more than 50 years of reading, and research. I am most grateful to Audible, William Manchester and especially, Mr. Boehmer for a tremendous experience and terrific learning opportunity. Upon reflection, I was most disappointed to see such a family history come to an end because of its prodigy’s lack of responsibility and interest. History can highlight many disappointing aspects of life and human frailties. Nonetheless, all in all an exceptional education and experience. Well done - all!

Manchester!

Manchester is the best and the story of Germany thru the Krupp lens is fascinating

Superb history and journalism

This book is an exceptional history which brings the past alive. I had wanted to buy this as soon as it came out but I was put off by other reviewers who reported a missing section. This error has been fixed as far as I can tell. Many people complain about the heavy use of German but translations are provided for almost everything and one wonders why you would read this dense study of a German family without at least some rudimentary German skills. The reader's pronunciation is good in most spots but he curiously mispronounces Gebiet every time he says it. The scattered French in the book is the only foreign language that goes untranslated every time. I felt like this book helped me understand the Prussian state better and its involvement in world affairs from 1860s to the post war era. Fabulous reading when read in concert with the book about the history of the Prussian state.

Big great Manchester Book but A.I. narrator?

The writer, subject and book are excellent.

But the he narrator sounds like he/it might be either AI, a robot / or just contains portions which are badly edited in post.

Classic

No other book will ever tell this story so well. That Manchester dug in and stood his moral ground at a time when Nazi apologism was politically expedient and culturally ubiquitous is part of what makes this book definitive and timeless.

The Arms of Krupp

A compelling story well told. It takes many hours to listen to the Audiobook version, but it is time well spent.

Long but interesting

Fascinating overview of a powerful German family. Long and detailed but very interesting, particularly if you like WWI and WWII stories.

What a terrible narrator!

What did you love best about The Arms of Krupp?

Unusual history.

What did you like best about this story?

The international aspect of Krup contracts and the details about the family.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

His German pronunciation seems affected and clumsy. His pronunciation of the word Krup* was completely distracting. Every time he said Kkkkkruuup, unlike any person I have EVER heard, in Germany or America, I lost my place. It was very distracting and actually interfered and interrupted my listening. English or American pronunciations of foreign titles, names, or places always annoy me - especially when the correction is simple - but this guy is in a class all his own. He almost manages to roll the K; I can't believe the editors or people helping him record this didn't say something. I can only assume they don't speak German and never hear it spoken.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Comprehensive.

a brilliant work on a difficult subject.

Enormous work, precisely documented, with clear statements, and deep and honests analysis. A necessary book to better understand the potentialy devastating power of certain multinational concerns on our democracies. Thanks very much to the autor.

Incredible story well told

Best narration ever. Fantastic story. A classic incredibly well researched. I highly recommend even if you don’t think the topic would interest you.