A Bridge Too Far

By: Cornelius Ryan

Narrated by: Clive Chafer

Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The classic account of one of the most dramatic battles of World War II.

A Bridge Too Far is Cornelius Ryan’s masterly chronicle of the Battle of Arnhem, which marshaled the greatest armada of troop-carrying aircraft ever assembled and cost the Allies nearly twice as many casualties as D-day.

In this compelling work of history, Ryan narrates the Allied effort to end the war in Europe in 1944 by dropping the combined airborne forces of the American and British armies behind German lines to capture the crucial bridge across the Rhine at Arnhem.

Focusing on a vast cast of characters - from Dutch civilians to British and American strategists to common soldiers and commanders - Ryan brings to life one of the most daring and ill-fated operations of the war. A Bridge Too Far superbly recreates the terror, suspense, heroism, and tragedy of this epic operation, which ended in bitter defeat for the Allies.

About the author: Cornelius Ryan (1920–1974), born in Dublin, Ireland, became one of the preeminent war correspondents of his time, flying fourteen bombing missions with the US Eighth and Ninth Air Forces. He is the author of numerous books, including several classics of military history, which have appeared throughout the world in nineteen languages. He was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government in 1973.

©1974 Cornelius Ryan (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“I know of no other work of literature of World War II as moving, as awesome, and as accurate in its portrayal of human courage.” (General James M. Gavin)

“Ryan masters a spare, strong style to deliver a battle that has much of the majesty and beauty of classic tragedy. ( Kirkus Reviews)

A touching and astonishing read

While there are plenty of details about battles, I was most struck by the anecdotes and testimony from the incredibly brave men and women who lived through one of the most grueling episodes of World War II. The stories are all the more meaningful in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that is going on right now. What a waste war is!

It's a story almost too sad to listen to.

My wife's grandfather was wounded on a glider with the 101st Airborne. It was very enlightening to hear the whole story.

One of the few comprehensive views

Ryan does a laudible job in covering the Allied side of the battle with due care to the multiple fronts and locations. This is a great start before moving in to more detailed histories of the various segments of Operation Market Garden. It had been many years since I last read Ryan and noted that he did a good job covering the role of the Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron and the coup d'main operation at Arnhem bridge and his discussion of the radio problems was sound.

Battle of Arnhem

Great history/story of the tragic battle of Arnhem. Ryan mixes the personal details of the bravery of the soldiers on both sides and the civilians with the detailed history of the battle.
Although the author does not focus on it, you get the sense of the tragedy of the planners not using the intelligence they had and being arrogant went presented with vital information.
The reading is a bit dry, but the writing is so good it still is an exciting book to listen to. High recommended.

Historical Gem

Very detailed and well researched saga of a plan that went awry. Incredible courage on both sides of the war.

Another great book from Cornelius Ryan!

I love his interview style of writing. The stories straight from the men that were there make it real and interesting.

Education in War

Got an education in this part of World War II. The terror of war in all it's color well told. This telling was just a little part of many parts that made up the war. So many life's destroyed when just a few desire power.

simply outstanding

Superior history with interwoven personal stories within the overall big story. this is how all history should be written.

Listen to the book, watch the movie

The movie is referred to as "A Hour Too Long" and it is a long film (3hrs). The book though brings clarity and if you wish to watch the film, I suggest listening to this book; before, after or during it does not matter. Spoiler alert, the cavalry doesn't quite make it. What you do get from this book is a clear understanding of what happen, what went wrong and possibly a good answer to the question of why. This is the 'boys own adventure' to battle and even if you are not into history, is a good yarn. Characters, action, sacrifice and morals are on every page. A damn good listen.

#WorldWarII. Very detailed but not boring!

I've listened to a lot of books on WW2 but this is a must listen to if you want to really learn what happened at operation Market garden. At first, I thought the reader was not very good but I got accustomed to his way of reading and really enjoyed the book.
#WorldWarII, #Inspiring
#tagsgiving and #sweepstakes