A Native’s Return: 1945-1988

The trio of autobiographies from William Shirer ( "A Native's Return" being the final edition) provide a vivid journey through one of the key episodes in 20th Century history, the rise of Adolph HItler and the turmoil that followed. The books offer: an intimate view of a writer's life, a front-row seat for the rise of Nazism, insight into the beginning of foreign radio news reporting to the USA, and a chance to meet some of the most interesting personalities of the period from Gertrude Stein in Paris, to William Paley at CBS, to former President Harry Truman in Independence, Mo.Shirer explains how ambition, persistence, good fortune, courage, and an abiding commitment to document the tragic story of Nazi Era inspired him to create some of the most memorable non-fiction reporting of the 20th Century. All three of these autobiographical books are over-written, and drift a bit when Shirer attempts to describe many of the larger forces that affected the period worldwide, but when his focus turns to his own life and his years as a reporter for newspapers, wire services and network radio in its heyday, the writing is compelling and memorable. It's best read at two speeds: skimming the broader reporting but focusing closely on the details of his own story. His career was fascinating, and he shares his life's high points and his low points with frank details. So you become a active eyewitness to a journalist's life that was embedded into some of the most important events of the 20th Century. It's a fascinating story, well told, and its true.

A pleasure to read, Mr. William Shirer’s account of experiences in the post war period is illuminating and will stand as a testament to history. Highly recommend reading for all individuals who do not want the worst of modern history to happen again. Loved reading this book.

Read this Shirer's third volume of his story of his life, work, witness of history and the many actors he met and knew along the way. His books, The Rise and Fall..... and the end of the French Third Republic, serve as guides and warnings to Americans who tend to be attracted to the seductive call of charlatans who would destroy our democracy and freedom in the name order. It is a shame that Americans don't know of Shirer and therefore miss the opportunity to learn from his experiences and apply the knowledge to the present day. Read all three volumes. They are worth it.

Shirer is always an interesting read. Too oft he wanders off in defense of criticism against his works. These defenses are redundant and uninteresting. I found myself glossing over these and trying to get back to the "story".

Last part of a good life story by a good journalist. Shirer was an observer of life and death. Good read if you are retired and wondering what happens at the end of life

Shirer is one of the great overlooked authors of the 20th Century.

He ist a Reporter im Camp. Not a Book Reader.

Loved it but a bit long , IKnow he had. Long life but there was some repetition. Over all loved the book and his writing is superb .

This third volume is a little too self indulgent and slow given the period he was living through. Many important things were happening which he skips over. But interesting regardless.