Audiobooks narrated by Jonathan David Mellor

Combat Aircraft: 1900-1945

In 1903, the Wright brothers invented the airplane, and that event changed the rules of war forever. From war to war, technology has improved in an effort to achieve the ultimate aerial war machine. Pacific Media's Combat Aircraft tell us the history from the creation of the aero plane to the end of WWII. 5 chapters: 1) Pioneers 2) Weapons in the Sky 3) The Battle for Air Supremacy 4) The Advance of Technology 5) New Aircraft, New Weapons, New Technology

José Delgado (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: De Gaulle

The Pride of France In 1940 he fought against, but could not prevent, the greatest humiliation in the history of the France he loved so dearly. How did Charles De Gaulle recover from this? How did he preserve the spirit of France? Then help liberate his nation? Then go on to lead it as its most important political figure since his fellow general, Napoleon? We trace the growth of De Gaulle: the precocious child of nationalist, religious yet progressive. The lover of history who early on became suspicious of the British. The ambitious young officer with revolutionary views about mobile warfare in a country first mired in the trenches of the Western Front then blinded by the folly of the Maginot Line. We watch his impressive fight against the Germans in 1940 when his fellow commanders were shaming themselves. How he refused to accept the vile compromises of the Vichy regime. We witness his difficult co-existence with his British hosts. And his even stormier relationship with his American allies. We see his triumphant return to France. De Gaulle’s proud personality and its effect on France’s curious and complex post-war fortunes are scrutinised. Audiovisual, ebook and, now, audiobook deliver History’s Verdict on De Gaulle.

Bob Howard (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: Montgomery

God’s Lonely Man Goes to War Adored by the ordinary soldiers who served under him and the hero Britain needed in the “Darkest Hour” of its long history, Montgomery was also often hated by his peers, his superiors and his allies. Our brilliant documentary will explain why this was so by providing the most revealing insights ever into this complex, brilliant and infuriating man. Newly declassified revelations, testimony from the world's greatest military historians and thinkers, the frequently witty words of the Field Marshal himself and those of his admirers and enemies will accompany awesome images of Montgomery at work and at war to deliver History’s Verdict on Monty. Rarely explored aspects of his life will be uncovered: his childhood as the son of a Bishop and a mother who didn’t love him. His near death experiences in the battlefields of the Great War. His campaign against the IRA in the 1920s, which gained him the respect of the Republicans he fought. His textbook fighting retreat to Dunkirk in 1940 in the midst of the chaos of the Fall of France. His victories in the deserts of Africa, Sicily, France, and the humiliation of Arnhem. We witness how Montgomery’s talent for planning, training and strategy was matched by his talent for self-publicity and alienating his colleagues. We look at his family life, his career after the war and his retirement. His religious beliefs and his enigmatic sexuality. All of these shaped the “Master of the Battlefield” – the man who accepted the surrender of the Third Reich’s greatest generals on Luneburg Heath in 1945.

Paul Macnally (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: Churchill

'Cometh the hour, cometh the man...' This audiobook presents a fresh view of the British war leader as he pursues an independent, and then allied, war against Hitler and the Axis Powers. We analyse his crucial contribution to the greatest war in history, and the peace that ensued. Beginning with the fall of France and the defence of the island of Britain itself, Churchill's military decisions and simultaneous diplomatic efforts to gather an alliance, are explored. We show that his faith in an eventual American alliance was there from the outset, but we reveal the double-edged sword of this formidable and inevitably victorious partnership. In participating in the war, America would massively increase her economic and military power, and British global dominance was the price Churchill was forced to pay. His Russian alliance, equally, shows the dangers of waking a sleeping giant, and Churchill's changing perception of Stalin's power and intent would shape much of his conduct of the latter years of the war. His necessary ambivalence towards a far-flung empire is analysed. Fighting on so many fronts, and frustrated by his lack of a foothold in mainland Europe, Churchill made strategic and diplomatic decisions for the most part forced on him by circumstances. His outward refusal to countenance any change in the pre-war order, while it was at one with his aim of unconditional victory, shows the empire slipping away, whatever he did, or did not do, to shore it up. The theme of military boldness, coupled with archaic and, at times, arrogant attitudes, is once again striking. We show his disappointment in the peace, and his attempts to push British aims and interests - and what he rightly saw as global concerns - to the very end, when his junior status within the 'Big Three' was evident. We explore this complex, fascinating and iconic figure and his importance to history.

Christopher Monaghan (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: Mussolini

Fascist visionary or blinded by his own propaganda? ?A skilled journalist and a master spin doctor, Mussolini created immensely powerful myths about himself and his regime. Myths that have endured for over 70 years, baffling both his contemporaries and modern historians in equal measure. Myths that have allowed Il Duce to escape history's definitive verdict...until now. We deliver the truth about this divisive yet fascinating figure. From his early foreign policy to eventual involvement in WW2, we unveil the reality of his imperial aims. We examine Mussolini's shifting international relationships. Why did he choose the Axis with Nazi Germany over an alliance with Britain? How did he did lose his dominance within the Axis to become Hitler's subordinate? The complex race question is also examined. Did Italian Fascism share the same virulent anti-Semitic and racialist views as National Socialism? We offer insights into the Italian performance in WW2, as well as Mussolini's dramatic personal downfall and macabre death. "History's Verdict" delivers the final judgement on the legacy of this founding father of Fascism. Does he deserve condemnation as merely another brutal twentieth century dictator, or was there a more benevolent side to this complex character?

Graham Birrell (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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HITLER: The Man Who Fought the World

A magnificent script, newly declassified revelations, testimony from the world's greatest historians and thinkers, and the chilling words of the Fuhrer himself and those of his closest henchmen to deliver History’s Verdict on Hitler. Opening with an astonishing series of insights into the formative years of the future dictator, we trace how the unremarkable son of a provincial bully experienced failure in love and art to then find happiness in the midst of a bloodbath. How Germany's defeat in the Great War catalysed his anti-Semitism and sense of destiny. How his propaganda gurus helped him win vast support in a failed state and pervert it into his Reich. Then how his reeling foreign opponents are struck by his lightning war. We witness Hitler's raw talent for strategy. His pitiless drive for war - and for war crimes. His complex relations with the men of his inner circle. His tortured relations with the women around him. Hitler is measured against other Nazi leaders, his generals and his enemies. We chart how initial dazzling successes on the battlefields amplify both Hitler's hubris and the horror of his plans. We see how his fanaticism and his sentimentalism make him a disastrous ally. And how an awesome coalition forms against him. Stalin’s own contributions to the decisive battles of the eastern Front – Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk – are analysed, as well as the role of Zhukov, the weather and Siberian troops in saving the U.S.S.R. Yet we also see how he is resisted; how he is defeated; how he is destroyed.

Paul Macnally (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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STALIN: The Man of Steel

Via stunning contemporary footage, freshly declassified discoveries, a brilliant script, insights from the greatest historians of the past seventy years and the unforgettable words of the dictator himself and the people who knew him best, we deliver History’s Verdict on Stalin. Opening with the colossal Nazi invasion of the U.S.S.R., we show how Stalin himself almost helped Hitler to conquer the Soviet Union in the first few weeks of Barbarossa. How his paranoia regarding his own commanders and potential allies blinded him to Hitler’s plans. How his attempts to appease Hitler failed. And his lack of leadership in the disastrous opening stages of the campaign. We then witness his resolution to resist the invaders and how he inspired his people to virtually superhuman acts of bravery. However, we also see his utter ruthlessness in terrorising his subjects into facing Nazi atrocities, too. Stalin’s own contributions to the decisive battles of the eastern Front – Moscow, Stalingrad and Kursk – are analysed, as well as the role of Zhukov, the weather and Siberian troops in saving the U.S.S.R. We show how Stalin was frequently able to dominate his partners in “The Big Three” – Churchill and Roosevelt – and we look at his merciless treatment of enemies – the Germans – but also so-called allies – the Poles. We reveal how the complex psychology of the man – with vast talents existing alongside monstrous flaws - was crucial to victory. And we examine his ambivalent legacy and how it haunts the former Soviet Union to this day.

Paul Macnally (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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ROOSEVELT: Uncompromising idealist or ruthless pragmatist?

Much loved by America and elected President for an unprecedented four terms. Renowned for his domestic policy and paternalism in America’s darkest days of the Depression. We now deliver history’s verdict on Roosevelt’s involvement in World War 2. Starting in the 1930s, we analyse how Roosevelt offered aid to the Allies and eventually became embroiled in the Second World War despite America's strict neutrality laws. We also examine the darker side of Roosevelt’s character and the controversy surrounding the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour. Were the Japanese provoked? Did Roosevelt know of the impending Japanese attack? The definitive verdict is also delivered on Roosevelt’s vast contribution to the course of WW2, the post-war peace agreements and his enduring legacy. Did he herald an age of International co-operation? Or was Roosevelt responsible for welding the Iron Curtain firmly shut - depriving Eastern Europe of the light of liberty for almost half a century?

Graham Birrell (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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HIMMLER: Architect of Genocide or Guardian of the Volke?

Much has been documented about Himmler as the incarnation of pure evil and the puppet master behind the Holocaust. Now, history’s verdict reveals that he was much more than a mere slaughterer of Jews. For all his ills, Himmler was a visionary. He longed for a utopia based on the blood community of the Aryan race. What lengths was he prepared to go to in order to obtain ‘good blood’ as well as removing the bad? The infamous SS is also examined in detail. Were they just the machinery of murder? What other duties did they perform to help the Nazi war effort, and what about their sense of pride and code of honour? Himmler’s personal idiosyncrasies and occultist fantasies are also discussed in detail, and to what level did he impress them upon his men and society at large? We also analyse his relationship with the Fuhrer himself? Was Himmler his most loyal of followers or perhaps his most cunning adversary? Finally, History’s verdict is offered on Himmler’s role in the Holocaust and the extent to which it was planned or improvised?

Graham Birrell (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: Wise verdicts on World War 2’s most powerful figures.

Since the early hours September first 1939, when the guns of the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish military base of Westerplatte in the former free city of Danzig (Gdansk) and triggered the Second World War, over seventy years have gone by. The outcome of the conflict - which claimed the lives of over 55 million people and involved most of the nations of the Earth – left the world divided into two armed camps: one, dominated by the USSR and its Communist bloc; the other, led by an America determined to halt the spread of Communism. We know this stand-off better as The Cold War. For an objective historical judgement on the greatest conflict the human race has ever experienced, it is vital to know the men who led it. Today, thanks to decades of work by countless historians and the innumerable files declassified by governments worldwide, we now have the opportunity to judge those leaders effectively and impartially. Some of these leaders were unsure whether they were fighting one war or several wars. Others were convinced the conflict was global. What is certain is that the Second World War was a Total War, which saw frequent political errors in the most political war of all time. Pacific Media have assembled a group of expert historians, researchers and analysts from King’s College, one of mainland Europe’s most prestigious educational institutions, to create the documentary series History’s Verdict. From an up-to-the-minute viewpoint, and packed with fresh historical discoveries, their scripts deliver fair and wise verdicts on World War 2’s most powerful figures. The series consists of 13 self-contained episodes each lasting 60 minutes: Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt, Hirohito, Himmler, Montgomery, Patton, De Gaulle, MacArthur, Rommel, Eisenhower.

Bob Howard, Christopher Monaghan, Graham Birrell, Michael O'connor, Paul Macnally (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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History's Verdict: Rommel

The Desert Fox or unnecessary risk taker? Erwin Rommel has achieved almost legendary status as the German Field Marshall of World war Two? Mainly for his cunning in outwitting and outmanoeuvring his allied enemies he is now known as the desert fox. This is a truly remarkable achievement, given the hatred for Nazism in the wake of World War Two. But History’s Verdict asks if this is a deserving accolade? Ironically, often those who admired him most were his former enemies; while some of his strongest criticism came from fell German officers. Just what were his true strengths and achievements as well as his weaknesses? Was he the master tactician and perfect soldier, one of the only men willing to speak out against the evils of Nazism? Or was he an unnecessary risk taker, a glory hunter who had no grasp of overall military strategy? The relationship with Hitler is also examined in detail. What Nazi views, if any, did he share, and what was his role in the plot to the kill the Fuhrer? For Rommel the Jury is out and seventy years after his death, History is finally ready to offer its verdict.

Bob Howard (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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PATTON: Blood, Guts and a Brilliant Mind

He remains the most famous Allied general of the Second World War thanks to George C Scott’s unforgettable performance in the Oscar winning movie. But our remarkable documentary reveals there was vastly more to Patton than his so-called lust for glory. We provide a concise and comprehensive overview of the great battlefield commander the Wehrmacht’s generals most feared. The son of a rich, distinguished family, the young Patton loved the Classics and history, was an Olympic athlete and “master of the Sword”. But he also had revolutionary ideas about how the US Army should fight modern wars. Ideas he tested against reality in action in Mexico and the Great War. We study his complex relationships with other generals and follow his successful Second World War campaigns in North Africa, Italy, the Low Countries, but also his unsuccessful “behind-the-scenes” confrontations with his superiors and the politicians. We show how he could be worshipped by the ordinary GIs under his command because of his care for them, yet still come close to being court-martialed in notorious incidents involving men recovering in hospital. His life ended in controversy and mystery and we examine the reality behind this. In one brilliant hour of amazing images and wonderful words, we deliver History’s Verdict on General George S Patton.

Michael O'connor (Author), Jonathan David Mellor (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Jonathan David Mellor