“No other military historian of World War II has Charles MacDonald’s insight into the inner workings of the American military establishment…The Mighty Endeavor is an objective account, impeccably accurate, eminently fair, and, just as important, always readable.” John Toland, Pulitzer Prize–winning author
Description
From the first landings at Casablanca straight through to the crossing of the Elbe River and V-E Day, this book tells the gripping story of the European theater of operations battles of World War II that American soldiers, sailors, and airmen took part in and of the strategy behind them.
The book’s core is its account of such famous and dramatic episodes as the landings in North Africa, Kasserine Pass, Salerno and Anzio, D-day, the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the race across Germany.
It also tells the story of the conflicts between American and other Allied leaders over how to pursue the war, and of convoys, U-boat wolf packs, the aerial war over Germany, the bombing of Dresden, and the final surrender of the Nazis.
MacDonald takes the listener back to the build-up to war, looking at the circumstances of the American decision during the early 1930s to concentrate, if war should come, on victory in Europe first; and he describes in detail the ways that America forged a disciplined fighting force when war broke out.
MacDonald’s portrayal of major military figures—George S. Patton Jr., Mark W. Clark, J. Lawton Collins, among others—is both fair and penetrating, and he pays particular attention to other leaders whose accomplishments are not as well known.
His sources include official US Army records and direct interviews with noncommissioned officers, privates, and top-level participants such as Generals Eisenhower and Bradley. His account also reflects intensive work with original documents and with many newly available sources, as well as his own experiences in the war as the commander of an infantry rifle company.
The Mighty Endeavor is a thoroughly researched history.
Praise
“No other military historian of World War II has Charles MacDonald’s insight into the inner workings of the American military establishment…The Mighty Endeavor is an objective account, impeccably accurate, eminently fair, and, just as important, always readable.” John Toland, Pulitzer Prize–winning author
“Beautifully researched.” New York Times
“A highly readable one-volume look at the struggle to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.” Miami Examiner
“Mr. MacDonald’s knowledge, perception, and insight, together, with his narrative power and grace, are impressive. The best and most readable account to date, The Mighty Endeavor will be unsurpassed for many years to come.” Martin Blumenson, American military historian and author
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Nov 30, 2016 |
| Release Date | December 1, 2016 |
| Release Date Machine | 1480550400 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | History, Military, Nonfiction - Adult, Nonfiction - All |
Author Bio
Charles B. MacDonald (1922–1990) served in four European campaigns and received the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. After the war, he wrote Company Commander, regarded as a World War II classic. He served as deputy chief historian for the United States Army, writing several of the Army’s official histories of World War II.
Narrator Bio
Traber Burns worked for thirty-five years in regional theater, including the New York, Oregon, and Alabama Shakespeare festivals. He also spent five years in Los Angeles appearing in many television productions and commercials, including Lost, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, Gilmore Girls, and others.
Overview
From the first landings at Casablanca straight through to the crossing of the Elbe River and V-E Day, this book tells the gripping story of the European theater of operations battles of World War II that American soldiers, sailors, and airmen took part in and of the strategy behind them.
The book’s core is its account of such famous and dramatic episodes as the landings in North Africa, Kasserine Pass, Salerno and Anzio, D-day, the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, the crossing of the Rhine, and the race across Germany.
It also tells the story of the conflicts between American and other Allied leaders over how to pursue the war, and of convoys, U-boat wolf packs, the aerial war over Germany, the bombing of Dresden, and the final surrender of the Nazis.
MacDonald takes the listener back to the build-up to war, looking at the circumstances of the American decision during the early 1930s to concentrate, if war should come, on victory in Europe first; and he describes in detail the ways that America forged a disciplined fighting force when war broke out.
MacDonald’s portrayal of major military figures—George S. Patton Jr., Mark W. Clark, J. Lawton Collins, among others—is both fair and penetrating, and he pays particular attention to other leaders whose accomplishments are not as well known.
His sources include official US Army records and direct interviews with noncommissioned officers, privates, and top-level participants such as Generals Eisenhower and Bradley. His account also reflects intensive work with original documents and with many newly available sources, as well as his own experiences in the war as the commander of an infantry rifle company.
The Mighty Endeavor is a thoroughly researched history.
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