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  • Eyewitness 1900-1949

  • Voices from the BBC Archive
  • By: Joanna Bourke
  • Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
  • Length: 22 hrs and 21 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (25 ratings)
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Eyewitness 1900-1949 cover art

Eyewitness 1900-1949

By: Joanna Bourke
Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
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Summary

Eyewitness accounts from the BBC Archive are at the heart of this unique history of the first half of the 20th century, narrated by Tim Pigott-Smith. The events of 1900-1949 are described by the people who saw them happen, from the death of Queen Victoria and accession of Edward VII through the First World War, to the sinking of the Titanic, the General Strike and the Great Depression, to the Second World War and its aftermath. Events both joyful and sorrowful are illustrated with fascinating and rarely heard archive recordings, with a linking narration by the historian Joanna Bourke. Thought-provoking and moving, these are the voices of the past speaking to the present day. 

©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about Eyewitness 1900-1949

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Excellent History Lessons

This is a must have for anyone who is interested in World history
Very clear audio recordings
Highly recommended

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2 people found this helpful

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A wonderful and Insightful audiobook

A fascinating look at the history of the period. Told through archive recordings by the people who experienced it first hand. Riveting and informative.

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Very good indeed

Very entertaining and brings it all to life. Nevetheless, this is not somehow ''better'' than more traditional structured accounts of WWI, but, rather, this is a different and adjunctive genre to more substantial accounts. Despite the opinions of one reviewer here, appareNtly dull and inaccessible history has been written by both men and women alike (of course a good thing), and it displays a basic and simple prejudice to assert that women ''invariably'' write ''better'' history books. Perhaps there are simply more big words in such books.

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This book brings history to life

I really wish I had this book when I was at school. It should be played to students to help them study 2 years 1900 to 1949. This will take you through the death of Victoria the 1920s sinking of Titanic and the first and second world war.

Using Tim Pigott-Smith as the narrator was a real winner because he wasn't too intrusive but managed to we've all together.

I will be getting more books by the BBC especially if it has the same narrator.

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Superb!

This is how to make history interesting, rather than those dry as dust tomes invariably written by men. This has it all and thus has something for everyone: military history; social history; women's history; political history, and so on. Essential listening for anyone interested in history. And if you'd like to read book-book that are similarly superb, I recommend Wartime Britain 1939-1945, and Wartime Women.

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