The Collapse of the Third Republic

An Inquiry into the Fall of France in 1940

By: William L. Shirer

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

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.

history lover

great narration, lots of details about characters involved so you really get to know them, leads to greater understanding of France's fall.

a Literary and Historical " Tour d'Force"

Long, detailed and a REALLY GREAT READ.. In these troubled times this book reiterates how the lessons of the past can affect the events of the future. This book and Shirer's prior Rise and Fall of the Third Reich should be required reading for any of our Senators and House of Representatives. However Society seems to never learn!

Great book, if too long

Shirer and Gardner are always such a great combination. This book is much too long in the early years of the republic, but more than makes up for it I the leadup to and unfolding of the events of ww2.

Great

Well written, well read. Enjoyed hearing about a unappreciated part of World War II history.

The definitive acccount

Although a bit longish (I jest, it is looong.), the account is masterful and thorough. I know I will listen to it again in the future and, hopefully, fully digest the material. We get fall of France in history mainly as a corollary to Britain and Churchill's coming to stand alone against the Germans. What is missing is the story of how that came to be with the disfunction of French politics. This is that story.

The Fall of France in 1940 Explained

The fall of France in 1940 was misunderstood by me until I found "The Collapse of the Third Republic" by William L. Shirer. Since childhood I have read many books on World War II and I had always childishly taken the fall of France as a given; as if it were bound to happen based on characteristic tendencies of all Frenchmen to give up the fight as soon as possible. But this over-generalization of the French of the day was not accurate and the reasons for the fall of France were in no case that simple.

Perhaps the most important takeaway from "The Collapse of the Third Republic" is that French leadership was equally if not more influential than the general populace and military personnel on the fall of France in 1940. While you do find "worms to hate" in this book, you also find heroes to love. My understanding of Charles de Gaulle was completely reversed--from arrogant opportunist to patriotic hero--after reading this book.

While long and thorough like "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by Mr. Shirer, "The Collapse of the Third Republic" is an important work of history and explains part of Nazi Germany's rise to domination of Europe. William L. Shirer and Grover Gardner have done an excellent job with this book.

All you need to know, to know what happened

Very interesting and detailed explanation of what happened, as well as a very substantial history lesson on the entire 3rd Republic. A crushing and brutal indictment of many of the players is delivered with a soft glove in a prosaic style.

Exceptional

Just a phenomenal audiobook. I first listened to the Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. Both are great listens

Wonderful Complement to Shirer’s Rise and Fall

Excellently written and perfectly performed. I highly recommend this presentation to anyone interested in how and why France succumbed so quickly to the Nazi assault in 1940 and the political intrigue surrounding the granting of unchecked dictatorial powers to Petain in Vichy France.

Fantastic historical account

Shirer is, as always, is in supreme command of the facts—and in fascinating detail I have never heard elsewhere. He brings to life the causes of the tragedy I had only understood in broad terms. I can’t recommend this book highly enough for serious students of history.