Command
How the Allies Learned to Win the Second World War
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Command
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Narrated by:
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Al Murray
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By:
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Al Murray
About this listen
A unique analysis of the greatest commanders who helped the allies win the Second World War, written by one of the UK's best loved comedians and commentators. He also loves history.
Al Murray's passion for military history and the Second World War in particular has always run parallel with his comedy and was brought to the fore with several acclaimed and award-winning television shows and the recent huge success of his podcast We Have Ways of Making You Talk which he hosts with fellow bestselling military author James Holland. In his first serious narrative book, Command showcases Al Murray's passion for this pivotal period in the twentieth century, as he writes an engaging, entertaining and sharp analysis of the key allied military leaders in the conflict.
Command highlights the performance and careers of some of the leading protagonists who commanded armies, as well as the lesser-known officers who led divisions, regiments and even battalions for the British, Commonwealth and United States of American armies. By showcasing each combat commander across every major theatre of operations the allies fought in, Murray tells the story of how the Western Allies rebounded from early shocking defeats (Dunkirk and Pearl Harbor) to then victories (El Alamein and D-Day) in its efforts to defeat the Axis forces of Nazi Germany and Japan, and what that tells us about the characters and the challenges that faced them. Command is the book for all fans of Second World War History who appreciate a true enthusiast of the genre with something new and compelling to say.
©2022 Al Murray (P)2022 Quercus Editions LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Al Murray's new book proves, if anyone still feels the need to question it, that he is a major historian in his own right. Command is everything popular history should be: authoritative, full of deep wisdom and knowledge, genuinely fresh and original in approach and content and both compelling and entertainingly written. Skilfully blending the famous names with those lesser known, he examines each in a completely fresh light, focussing on differing aspects that collectively offer a satisfyingly comprehensive whole that takes the reader on a journey across a wide range of landscapes, theatres and battles. It is an utter joy to read from start to finish." (James Holland)
What listeners say about Command
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- igrae
- 01-12-22
Excellent
Great information great delivery and very interesting and poignant especially the last chapter as war nearing its conclusion when the Germans still fought on although the war already lost
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- Constable Elbow
- 23-04-23
A different view of WW2
I hugely enjoyed this book. It takes an unusual approach, analysing the progress of the Allied war effort through the careers of several individual officers. This highlights areas which are so often ignored in the history books. It is all interesting but I found the chapter on Percy Hobart especially revealing - his work was so central to the success of D-day and the final stages of the war yet he's not generally known about.
As you would expect with a book by Al Murray, it's entertaining and easy to listen to despite being on a serious subject which in other hands could have been quite dry. His reading is excellent, combining clarity and obvious enthusiasm for the history. Thank you!
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- Amanda
- 15-04-23
Excellent
Enjoyable. Different. Informative. Well worth your time. An easy read, a brilliant listen. Excellent
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David Parker
- 19-03-24
Illuminating
I enjoyed Murray's presentation on subjects I study. Well worth the time spent listening to.
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- mickey
- 24-12-22
Excellent
A very good listen, well researched, interesting, often funny and expertly read by the author whose voice is perfect for narration.
A must for any war history buff or fan of his ‘we have ways’ podcasts with James Holland.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Ciderman
- 29-10-22
The first of many?
Al Murray's first history book is an insightful and entertaining listen. I've now more respect for some characters that I didn't think much of and even less for 1 that I never liked anyway! Al has kept a balance between keeping it long enough to explore the issues and short enough not to become too dry. A good stepping stone for further reading on the likes of Bill Slim. Hurry up and get another book written Al!
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- Steve F
- 23-05-23
Inspired And Enjoyable Romp Through WW2 Command
I first came across this book on WW2 TV where Al Murray delivered an impressive presentation so it was a no-brainer buying this audiobook. Each chapter is well-paced, dramatic and delivered in a contemporary way, making it accessible for all levels of learning and interest. His choices are spot on throughout and this is one book that begs for a revisit in time to come, great work!
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- Archie Robertson
- 09-11-22
Meat on the bones .
No statistical history of these subjects should be studied or read without the accompaniment of this or the likes of this book.
Far more understanding of humanity and of these times and any times will be forthcoming .
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- Joe Average
- 10-01-23
Cheers
I never cease to enjoy the audiobooks narrated by Al Murray. It feels like I’m listening to a mate, telling me stories of daring do. What a credit, and a tribute to the men and women represented in this book.
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-01-23
interesting
not in depth but an interesting and deliberate look at several people from the second world war
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