Berlin Diary
The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent, 1934–1941
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Berlin Diary
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Narrated by:
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Tom Weiner
About this listen
By the acclaimed journalist and New York Times best-selling author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, this day-by-day eyewitness account of the momentous events leading up to World War II in Europe is the private, personal, utterly revealing journal of a great foreign correspondent.
CBS radio broadcaster William L. Shirer was virtually unknown in 1940 when he decided there might be a book in the diary he had kept in Europe during the 1930s—specifically those sections dealing with the collapse of the European democracies and the rise of Nazi Germany.
Shirer was the only Western correspondent in Vienna on March 11, 1938, when the German troops marched in and took over Austria, and he alone reported the surrender by France to Germany on June 22, 1940, even before the Germans reported it. The whole time, Shirer kept a record of events, many of which could not be publicly reported because of censorship by the Germans. In December 1940, Shirer learned that the Germans were building a case against him for espionage, an offense punishable by death. Fortunately, Shirer escaped and was able to take most of his diary with him.
Berlin Diary first appeared in 1941, and the timing was perfect. The energy, the passion, and the electricity in it were palpable. The book was an instant success, and it became the frame of reference against which thoughtful Americans judged the rush of events in Europe. It exactly matched journalist to event: the right reporter in the right place at the right time. It stood, and still stands, as so few books have ever done, a pure act of journalistic witness.
©1941 William L. Shirer (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.Critic Reviews
What listeners say about Berlin Diary
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- raz
- 29-09-2017
A little gem about ww2 and human nature
This book provides unique insights into Berlin and its population at the beginning of the war.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nigel Jarvis
- 24-10-2021
An excellent account of a civilisation’s decline into authoritarianism
This is an excellent first-hand account of how it FEELS to have freedom and civility stolen from under you by an authoritarian regime.
While there are plenty of facts to chew on and some that I hadn’t been aware of, the thing that sets this book apart from a more traditional history book is its immediacy and the first-hand nature of the work.
The author literally rubbed shoulders (or perhaps apparel) with Hitler and was employed to cover many of his speeches and public appearances. As such, he got a better view of Hitler than the average German, who had to continue working for a living. He commuted all around Europe to get first-hand accounts and was even granted access to “secret” events like the signing of the second armistice between Germany and France at Compiegne.
He also had the advantage of well informed perspective, which infuses much of the book.
Sadly, a book like this needs to be rediscovered by new generations of readers due to humanity’s vulnerability to an authoritarian message.
Shirer has given a gift to future generations, who will hopefully heed his many insights.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Michael
- 02-12-2019
Absolutely brilliant!
From the war correspondent who would later write arguably the best book regarding Nazi Germany (The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich) Shirer’s first hand reporting of all he witnessed in the build up to and commencement of WWII is quite remarkable. This was a man in the thick of Nazi activity and propaganda but some of his insights into the mistakes made be Hitler’s opponents are particularly dismaying. Very well read by Tom Weiner, this was a most enjoyable audible book. Very highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JayD
- 25-01-2021
A different perspective
I found Shirer’s day-by-day account to be extremely valuable in understanding the perspective of the German people in the first two years of the war particularly in the way the regime took complete control of the press. Of interest also was the author’s gradual disgust with the Nazi leadership and increasing anxiety about his close friends and family.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Richard
- 24-07-2020
Marred by a lacklustre performance and technical difficulties
Good historical reference material. The narrator was unfortunately deadpan and made what should have been excellent rather poor. In addition, technical difficulties with the app made listening difficult.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Madeleine Murray
- 14-10-2024
One of the best books I’ve ever listened to
Absolutely riveting story.
The diary of a war corresponded in real time in the lead up and the first years of World War II. Reporting from behind enemy lines, from Berlin. Incredible.
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