A Time for Trumpets

The Untold Story of the Battle of the Bulge

By: Charles B. MacDonald

Narrated by: Traber Burns

Length: 28 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

On December 16, 1944, the vanguard of three German armies, totaling half a million men, attacked US forces in the Ardennes region of Belgium and Luxembourg, achieving what had been considered impossible - total surprise. In the most abysmal failure of battlefield intelligence in the history of the US Army, 600,000 American soldiers found themselves facing Hitler's last desperate effort of the war.

The brutal confrontation that ensued became known as the Battle of the Bulge, the greatest battle ever fought by the US Army - a triumph of American ingenuity and dedication over an egregious failure in strategic intelligence. A Time for Trumpets is the definitive account of this dramatic victory, told by one of America's most respected military historians, who was also an eyewitness: MacDonald commanded a rifle company in the Battle of the Bulge. His account of this unique battle is exhaustively researched, honestly recounted, and movingly authentic in its depiction of hand-to-hand combat.

Mingling firsthand experience with the insights of a distinguished historian, MacDonald places this profound human drama unforgettably on the landscape of history.

©1985 Charles B. MacDonald (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

So incredible I listened twice in a row

The narrators voice is very easy to listen and the story is so detailed and fascinating for someone not of that generation or one who has ever served in the military, it felt like I was there reliving the events. I didn't want to stop listening.

Fantastic Book!

A great, in depth narrative of the entire battle, written by a veteran of the battle.

Compelling review of the Battle of the Bulge

This is a very long book, and at first I was a little hesitant to get started. But from the very beginning the storytelling, and the reader bring you in. I cannot recommend it enough to anyone that is interested in World War II history, the Battle of the Bulge, or even how individuals at all ranks respond to war. I loved how it went from the individual soldier freezing in the foxhole to the generals, playing political games through the press. The author himself was a veteran of this battle, which makes it even more special.

Needs a better narrator

The book is comprehensive in scope and details. Even though it contained much more detail than I could absorb, it was exhaustive but interesting. As a textbook, it contained of wealth of information. However as an audiobook, with a monotonous narrator who frequently mispronounced and labored through names and locations, it was difficult to listen to. The written perspective switched frequently from the German to the Allied side. The narration made it more difficult to follow the change in perspectives.

A great account of the Battle of the Bulge

MacDonald gives a riveting close up account of soldiers fighting in horrendous conditions—many showing great personal bravery. He explains how key small unit engagements by intrepid American GI’s thwarted Nazi battle plans. As with most accounts of this battle, geographic locations can be confusing. So it was helpful for me to refer to maps of the battlefield to help me follow the action. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants both the broad picture of the battle, along with accounts of key individual engagements.

Very detailed

Would you consider the audio edition of A Time for Trumpets to be better than the print version?

Have not read the printed version.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

You would have to be a serious historian of The Battle of the Bugle to keep up with all of the locations mentioned. Printed might be better so you could take the time to look at WWll maps of the battle.

Reader struggled with French and German

Reader had a hard time with French and German words, detracted somewhat and was distracting

Too many lives lost

There have been to many lives lost for the want of power and control. Unfortunately that will continue because of the seemingly insane fanatics. We are in a similar the situation we have here in the states. I hope and pray that it does not come to WAR again. As the saying goes all that is needed for evil to succeed is for good people to sit by quietly and watch

Battle Storyline​is a Hit

Loved the tell of the Battle, gripping details from the beginning to the end. was hard to follow the units moving in and out of towns and on road.
But overall a great read.

Outstanding history

This is a highly detailed account of the Battle of the Bulge, perhaps the greatest single battle in American history. It incorporates grand strategy with individual accounts of soldiers and small units to make it both interesting and comprehensive.