The Start, 1904-1930: Twentieth Century Journey Vol. I (William Shirer's Twentieth Century Journey);

A renowned journalist and author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, William Shirer chronicles his own life story--in a personal history that parallels the greater historical events for which he served as a witness. In the first of a three-volume series, Shirer tells of his early life, growing up in Cedar Rapids and later serving as a new reporter in Paris. In this surprisingly intimate account, Shirer details his youthful challenges, setbacks, rebellions, and insights into the world around him. He offers personal accounts of his friendships with notable people including Isadora Duncan, Ernest Hemingway, and Sinclair Lewis.

This fascinating personal account also provides an illuminating look into a lost pre-World War II era--and is notable as much for its historical value as for its autobiographical detail. Ideal for anyone fascinated by this period in history.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

William Lawrence Shirer (1904-1993) was an American war correspondent, historian, and author of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich--a definitive account of Nazi Germany that has stood the test of time as a scholarly resource for over five decades. Shirer was the first journalist hired for Edward R. Murrow's CBS radio team of journalists covering World War II events worldwide, and later became famous for his radio broadcasts from Berlin.

Shirer's work is gripping for its first-hand immediacy, informed by personal observation, storytelling, and interviews with prominent leaders including Hitler himself. As a member of CBS's news team, he produced a 30-minute broadcast of live reporting from Vienna, Paris, Berlin, London, and Rome. This was later adopted as the CBS World News Roundup, one of the longest-running programs in news broadcasting today.

ABOUT THE SERIES

In this three-volume series, prominent journalist, historian, and author William Shirer tells the story of his life. From his origins in Cedar Rapids in 1904 to his last decades, Shirer paints a surprisingly intimate portrait--and an honest one, refusing to flinch from the personal failures and challenges he experienced alongside his greatest successes.

This autobiography is notable both as a fascinating portrait of a very eventful life and as a historical document--shedding personal light on a broad swath of 20th-century history. Readers will find personal anecdotes detailing Shirer's conversations with world leaders, including Hitler himself, as well as other prominent people such as Ernest Hemingway and Isadora Duncan. This series is ideal for readers fascinated by 20th-century or World War II history--as well as fans of Shirer's other works.