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The Invasion

Gelesen von Tom Weiss

(4,327 Sterne; 52 Bewertungen)

This novel, also known as The Invasion of 1910, is a 1906 novel written mainly by William Le Queux (with H. W. Wilson providing the naval chapters). It is one of the more famous examples of Invasion literature and is an example of pre-World War I Germanophobia, as it preached the need to prepare for war with Germany. The book takes the form of a military history and includes excerpts from the characters' journals and letters and descriptions of the fictional German campaign itself. The novel originally appeared in serial form in the Daily Mail newspaper from 19 March 1906, and was a huge success. The newspaper's circulation increased greatly, and it made a small fortune for Le Queux, eventually being translated into twenty-seven languages and selling over one million copies in book form.

It is centered on an invasion by the Germans, who have managed to land a sizable invasion force on the East Coast of England. They advance inland, cutting all telegraph lines and despoiling farmland as they go, and the British struggle to mount a proper defense. The Germans eventually reach London and occupy half the city. A junior Member of Parliament declares that "Britain is not defeated" and organizes a resistance movement, the "League of Defenders", despite harsh reprisals by the Germans and a severe lack of arms. The Germans seem unable to combat this and tighten their control of London, and suddenly find themselves faced with a popular uprising. Eventually a newly-formed British Army marches to liberate London. The fictional war, however, is a stalemate since it appears that German forces have managed to occupy Belgium and the Netherlands. (Introduction by Wikipedia) (10 hr 34 min)

Chapters

01 - Preface and Book 1, Chapter 1, The Surprise

32:02

Read by Tom Weiss

02 - Effect In The City

18:06

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03 - News Of The Enemy

25:26

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04 - A Prophecy Fulfilled

15:50

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05 - State of Siege Declared

23:07

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06 - How The Enemy Dealt The Blow

24:46

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07 - Desperate Fighting In Essex

54:36

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08 - Defence At Last

31:36

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09 - British Success At Royston

24:13

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10 - British Abandon Colchester

19:29

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11 - Fierce Fighting At Chelmsford

24:51

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12 - Book 2, Chapter 1, The Lines of London

22:05

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13 - Repluse Of The Germans

19:28

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14 - Battle of Epping

33:20

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15 - Bombardment of London

35:37

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16 - The Rain of Death

26:40

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17 - Fall Of London

27:39

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18 - Germans Sacking The Banks

41:02

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19 - Defences of South London

18:03

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20 - Revolts In Shoreditch and Islington

25:27

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21 - Book 3, Chapter 1, A Blow For Freedom

30:06

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22 - Scenes At Waterloo Bridge

12:04

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23 - Great British Victory

21:15

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24 - Massacre of Germans In London

17:58

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25 - How The War Ended

9:37

Read by Tom Weiss

Bewertungen

(1,5 Sterne)

Interesting but repetitive in spots. Most Americans will not relate to the English geography. Ending a little contrived and obvious. This was certainly a piece that was written to argue for war preparation prior to WW 1.

Listener

(4,5 Sterne)

Riveting, great author, in many ways quite prophetic. Very well read, tho bit "tinny" sound effect can be distracting. Very good bet this author and reader:)

An interesting listen

(5 Sterne)

This book held my interest, and the reader is excellent. Upon reflection, I'm left to wonder if the League of Defenders may have been a precursor to the League of Nations, which didn't come about until a decade after the publication of this book. Either way, this story is well described and a very interesting listen.

you won't believe it was written pre war

(5 Sterne)

fantastic

invasion

(5 Sterne)

History seems to repeating itself only this time it's America. Safety comes thru strength. Our military has been weakend like never before. Politicians should read this book and hopefully learn.

(3,5 Sterne)

A bit slow in the middle but an interesting consideration. Interesting if you are familiar with the places mentioned.