Europe Audiobooks | Travel

'Is Paris burning?' is the question Hitler asked over and over as the French Second and American Fourth Divisions battered their way into the city. Few moments in history are as stirring as the Allied liberation of Paris. Yet few people are aware of how narrowly'and how miraculously'the city escaped Hitler's secret plan to reduce it to ashes. Is Paris Burning? reconstructs, in meticulous and riveting detail, the network of fateful events'day by day, moment by moment'that saved the City of Light. Best-selling authors and renowned journalists Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre spent three years researching this book, drawing on French Resistance radio messages, German military records, countless interviews, and secret correspondence between de Gaulle, Churchill, Roosevelt, Eisenhower. Here they re-create the drama, the fervor, and the triumph that heralded one of the most dramatic events of our time.

Dominique Lapierre, Larry Collins (Author), Frederick Davidson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Is Paris Burning?

“Is Paris burning?” is the question Hitler asked over and over as the French Second and American Fourth Divisions battered their way into the city. Few moments in history are as stirring as the Allied liberation of Paris, yet few people are aware of how narrowly—and how miraculously—the city escaped Hitler’s secret plan to reduce it to ashes. Is Paris Burning? reconstructs, in meticulous and riveting detail, the network of fateful events—day by day, moment by moment—that saved the City of Light. Bestselling authors and renowned journalists Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre spent three years researching this book, drawing on French Resistance radio messages, German military records, countless interviews, and secret correspondence between de Gaulle, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Eisenhower. Here they recreate the drama, the fervor, and the triumph that heralded one of the most dramatic events of our time.

Dominique Lapierre, Larry Collins (Author), Grover Gardner (Narrator)

Audiobook

Isaac's Army: A Story of Courage and Survival in Nazi-Occupied Poland

Journalist and author Matthew Brzezinski follows a group of dedicated young men and women who waged a heroic war of resistance against Hitler's war machine. Starting as early as 1939, disparate Jewish underground movements coalesced around the shared goal of liberating Poland from Nazi occupation. For the next six years, separately and in concert, they waged a heroic war of resistance against Hitler's war machine that culminated in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. In Isaac's Army, Matthew Brzezinski delivers the first-ever comprehensive narrative account of that struggle, following a group of dedicated young Jews-some barely out of their teens-whose individual acts of defiance helped rewrite the ending of World War II. Based on first-person accounts from diaries, interviews, and surviving relatives, Isaac's Army chronicles the extraordinary triumphs and devastating setbacks that befell the Jewish underground from its earliest acts of defiance in 1939 to the exodus to Palestine in 1946. This is the remarkable true story of the Jewish resistance from the perspective of those who led it: Isaac Zuckerman, the confident and charismatic twenty-four-year-old founder of the Jewish Fighting Organization; Simha Ratheiser, Isaac's fifteen-year-old bodyguard, whose boyish good looks and seeming immunity to danger made him an ideal courier; and Zivia Lubetkin, the warrior queen of the underground who, upon hearing the first intimations of the Holocaust, declared: "We are going to defend ourselves." Joined by allies on the left and right, they survived Gestapo torture chambers, smuggled arms, ran covert printing presses, opened illegal schools, robbed banks, executed collaborators, and fought in the two largest rebellions of the war. Hunted by the Germans and bedeviled by the "Greasers"-roving bands of blackmailers who routinely turned in resistance fighters for profit-the movement was chronically short on firepower but long on ingenuity. Its members hatched plots in dank basements, never more than a door knock away from summary execution, and slogged through fetid sewers to escape the burning Ghetto to the forests surrounding the city. And after the initial uprising was ruthlessly put down by the SS, they gambled everything on a bold plan for a citywide revolt-of both Jews and Gentiles-that could end only in victory or total destruction. The money they raised helped thousands hide when the Ghetto was liquidated. The documents they forged offered lifelines to families desperate to escape the horror of the Holocaust. And when the war was over, they helped found the state of Israel. A story of secret alliances, internal rivalries, and undying commitment to a cause, Isaac's Army is history at its most heart-wrenching. Driven by an unforgettable cast of characters, it's a true-life tale with the pulse of a great novel, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit of resistance.

Matthew Brzezinski (Author), Arthur Morey (Narrator)

Audiobook

Island Refuge: A History of Refugees in Britain

A sweeping and intimately told history of exiles and refugees. How have those who arrived on Britain’s shores shaped its history? For most of its history, Great Britain cherished its outward image as a safe haven for those displaced by religious persecution, political violence or economic crisis – an island of stability in the midst of a cruel, chaotic world. Today, however, refugees seeking to reach Britain most often face perilous journeys, impossible bureaucracy and acidic public opinion. In Island Refuge, migration scholar Matthew Lockwood overturns many of today’s misconceptions by revisiting both our history of migrants and the way British attitudes have flexed and changed over time. This is a profoundly moving and illuminating history, woven together through the stories of individuals: Frederick Douglass and the formerly enslaved men who followed in his footsteps, fleeing America on the hopes of kinder cultures. Little girls like Liesl Ornstein, who discovered they were Jewish only when Hitler took Austria, who were sent to England and told to call themselves ‘Elizabeth’. Sun Yat-sen, who found sanctuary in London – a brief abduction aside – before becoming the Father of modern China. The writers who chronicled their fallen cities from the safety of the British Library. The patriots who found statelessness a gnawing, restless type of despair. Karl Marx, who lived penniless yet arrested the nation’s thinking. Freddie Mercury, who at every turn tried to shake Zanzibar from his bones. What makes a home? What makes a refugee? As allegedly record-breaking numbers of migrants attempt to reach Britain and public conversation becomes, often, poisonous, Island Refuge is a powerful account of what has come before and what has been learned by it. Almost every time, we see when we look back, Britain has not been an island refuge from the world, but an island refuge for the world. Not a country burdened by refugees, but instead transformed and strengthened by them.

Matthew Lockwood (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Island Stories: Britain and Its History in the Age of Brexit

What does Brexit mean to you? For award-winning historian David Reynolds, it's neither a saga of British liberation nor a Westminster soap: it's a crisis of national identity a long time in the making. Politicians like to extol 'our island story' as if there is just one island and one story. Island Stories takes a broader view, exploring the history of Britain's identity through the great defining narratives of its past, from rise and decline to engagement in Europe and the legacies of empire. This is a book that resets our perspective on Britain and its place in the world. Traversing the centuries, Reynolds sheds fresh light on topics ranging from the slave trade to the heritage industry, from the 'Channel' to the 'special relationship', from India to the 'English problem'. He examines how other critical turning points have forged our history, including the Act of Union with Scotland and the political mishandling of post-1945 immigration. Island Stories also looks carefully across the Irish Sea, noting - as Brexit has shown again - that Ireland is the 'other island' the English have always been dangerously happy to forget. Island Stories leads us on an exciting journey through history, investigating how Britain's sense of national identity has been shaped and contested, and how that saga has brought us to the era of Brexit. Combining sharp historical analysis with vivid human stories, this is big history with a light touch that will challenge and entertain anyone interested in where Britain has come from and where it is heading.

David Reynolds (Author), Philip Stevens (Narrator)

Audiobook

Isle of Dogs: A canine adventure through Britain

Brought to you by Penguin. Every dog must have his day. There's nothing the British love quite as much as their dogs. From hunting to our hearths, and from herding sheep to guiding humans, our dogs have accompanied us through centuries of change, and that special relationship is still evolving today. So, just what is it that makes our bond so special? In this fascinating adventure across Britain, Clare Balding explores our unique heritage of canine tradition and meets just some of the many people who live, work and innovate with their dogs. From the mysteries of extinct breeds to the ancient dogs still thriving today, and adventuring from Battersea Dogs Home to Shetland via Buckingham Palace, we journey through the beloved canine story of our nation. A tale of hard work, companionship and a great many long dog walks, Isle of Dogs is an unmissable read for anyone whose life has been transformed by a faithful hound. ©2023 Clare Balding (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Clare Balding (Author), Clare Balding (Narrator)

Audiobook

Istanbul: A Tale of Three Cities

Istanbul has long been a place where stories and histories collide, where perception is as potent as fact. From the Koran to Shakespeare, this city with three names--Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul--resonates as an idea and a place, real and imagined. Standing as the gateway between East and West, North and South, it has been the capital city of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. For much of its history it was the very center of the world, known simply as "The City," but, as Bettany Hughes reveals, Istanbul is not just a city, but a global story. In this epic new biography, Hughes takes us on a dazzling historical journey from the Neolithic to the present, through the many incarnations of one of the world's greatest cities--exploring the ways that Istanbul's influence has spun out to shape the wider world. Hughes investigates what it takes to make a city and tells the story not just of emperors, viziers, caliphs, and sultans, but of the poor and the voiceless, of the women and men whose aspirations and dreams have continuously reinvented Istanbul. Written with energy and animation, award-winning historian Bettany Hughes deftly guides readers through Istanbul's rich layers of history. Based on meticulous research and new archaeological evidence, this captivating portrait of the momentous life of Istanbul is visceral, immediate, and authoritative--narrative history at its finest.

Bettany Hughes (Author), Bettany Hughes (Narrator)

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Italian History: An Overview of Cities, Venetians, and Historic Sites

This is a 2-book combo, which contains these books: 1: Naples (or, in Italian, Napoli) is the local capital of Campania and Italy's third-largest city, after Rome and Milan, with a population of 967,069 people living within the city's administrative limits since 2017. With a population of 3,115,320 people, its province-level town is Italy's third-most inhabited urbane city, and its city periods for around twenty miles outside the city walls. Naples, established by Greeks in the first millennium BC, is just one of the world's oldest constantly occupied cities. On the isle of Megaride, a district, referred to as Parthenope, was established in the ninth century BC. It was re-founded as Neápolis in the sixth century BC. Naples has a long history, all the way dating back to Roman times, the outbreak of the Vesuvius, and much more. Let’s learn more about this fascinating city’s history. 2: When we think of Venice, we think of masks, canals, murals and frescoes, and little “gondoliers” with picturesque boats. Venice, indeed, has an impressive artistic history. But did you know that Venice was also, for a while, a considerably-sized empire? Although no enduring historic records associate with the creation of Venice, the Republic of Venice's history is typically said to start at 12 a.m. on Friday, March 25th, AD 421, when authorities from Padua established the city to develop a trading center in that area of northern Italy. The creation of the Venetian republic is said to have accompanied the starting of the church of St. James at the exact same time. Still, the church (which is believed to be that of Saint Giacomo di Rialto) dates no earlier than the l lth century, and no after the mid-twelfth century.

Kelly Mass (Author), Doug Greene (Narrator)

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Italian History: From Ancient Rome to Modern Italy

Have you ever wondered how Italy's past was? Do you want to travel back in time and witness the grand roman empire? If so, this is for you. Embark on a captivating voyage through Italy's history, from enigmatic Etruscans to modern marvels. Unveil secrets of ancient civilizations, feel Rome's grandeur, and bask in Renaissance brilliance. Witness unification and transformative triumphs, shaping Italy's role in the modern European Union. This book guides you through time, revealing Italy's vibrant past. For history enthusiasts or curious travelers, it's a treasure trove illuminating Italy's remarkable journey, consisting of: - Etruscan roots and Roman Empire zenith. - Renaissance brilliance ignites art and thought. - Unification struggle births modern Italy. - World Wars' toll and resilient revival. - European Union embrace, lasting influence. - Culinary legacy, fashion, cinematic allure. - A tapestry of old and new, Italy thrives. Don´t wait any longer! Scroll up and buy this book now!

History Retold (Author), Dean Ericson (Narrator)

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Italian Hours

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of 'Italian Hours' by Henry James. This audiobook transports you to the picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities of Italy. With James' evocative prose and keen observations, you'll embark on a sensory journey through the art, culture, and history of this captivating country. The narrative offers a rich exploration of the intersection between travel, literature, and personal reflection. Through its vivid descriptions and cultural insights, it provides a window into the beauty and complexity of Italy, making it an ideal choice for those who crave a literary travel experience.

Henry James (Author), Barbara Baker (Narrator)

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Italian Liberation Corps, The: The History and Legacy of the Italian Soldiers Who Fought with the Al

The lackluster Allied showing on Sicily and the escape of most of the island's garrison encouraged Hitler to alter his plans and defend Italy vigorously. With its rugged mountain ridges, deep valleys, and numerous rivers, Italy contained tens of thousands of natural defensive positions. The Wehrmacht exploited these to the full during the ensuing campaign, bogging down the Anglo-American armies in an endless series of costly, time-consuming engagements. Even the rank and file German soldiers showed a clear awareness of the Italy's strategic significance: “’The Tommies will have to chew their way through us inch by inch,’ a German paratrooper wrote in an unfinished letter found on his corpse at Salerno, ‘and we will surely make hard chewing for them.’” (Hastings, 2011, 408). These events effectively divided Italians into three groups, and the country into two rival political entities. In the absence of clear orders, the first group was the Italian troops who simply melted away, and the many civilians who just kept their heads down and tried to survive. Meanwhile, those still loyal to fascism established the Repubblica Sociale Italiana (Italian Social Republic, RSI) with a capital at Salo. Mussolini had been imprisoned after his deposition, but the Germans sprang for him in a daring special forces operation. He was reinstated as Duce in the RSI, but very much under German control. At the same time, the Allies set up Victor Emmanuel and Badoglio as leaders of the Regno del Sud (Kingdom of the South, RS) with the support of anti-fascist parties and armed resistance groups. This contest of transnational ideologies took place amidst Italy’s own historical and geographical divisions and inequalities, amidst immense destruction, and all under the watchful eye of a multinational occupying army led by Great Britain.

Charles River Editors (Author), Steven Groothuis (Narrator)

Audiobook

Italy's Hidden Gems: A Tour of the 25 Most Mesmerizing Vacation Spots

Unearth the Undiscovered Beauty of Italy Imagine yourself strolling through the cobblestone streets of an enchanting Italian town, untouched by the rush of modern tourism. Italy's Hidden Gems: A Tour of the 25 Most Mesmerizing Vacation Spots is your passport to these unexplored corners of Italy. This is not your typical travel guide. This book takes you off the beaten path, revealing the secret locales only locals know about. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the serene canals of Venice, each page is a discovery. Authored by seasoned traveler Daniel Cornwallis, this book culminates years of exploration and a deep love for Italy. Cornwallis's vivid descriptions and captivating storytelling will transport you to these hidden gems, making you feel like you're already there. Each location is accompanied by a comprehensive guide, including the best times to visit, local cuisines to try, and unique cultural experiences to indulge in. This book is more than just a travel guide—it's a journey that inspires the desire to pack your bags and embark on your own Italian adventure. So why wait? Start your journey today with Italy's Hidden Gems: A Tour of the 25 Most Mesmerizing Vacation Spots. Experience Italy like never before, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Daniel Cornwallis (Author), Noah Johnson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Europe Audiobooks in Travel