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William L. Shirer

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 13 Books

3
Series
13
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books
Start with: The Start: 1904-30 (1976)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Berlin Diary Books
Start with: Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934-1941 (1941)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Midcentury Journey (1952)

About William L. Shirer

This book answers all these questions and more. Shirer takes you through the catastrophic events that characterized this era. He even includes testimonies from camp inmates and Nazi leaders. Since the author was a foreign correspondent living in Germany for most of the time, Hitler was in power, some of his narration comes from his own experiences. He explains how Hitler managed to use Japan and Mussolini and also narrates how the United States eventually got involved. You will also read about the dangers that made Shirer and his family seek refuge elsewhere. If you love history stories, especially about the second world war, you will love this book. The author has clearly done his homework, and his narrative style keeps you wanting to know more about what happened next. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books series, William L. Shirer has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by William L. Shirer

Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books
3 books 1976–1990
1

The Start: 1904-30

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books with The Start: 1904-30, another outstanding contribution from William L. Shirer.

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1976
2

The Nightmare Years: 1930-40

The Nightmare Years: 1930-40 continues the Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books story arc with William L. Shirer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
3

A Native's Return: 1945-1988

A Native's Return: 1945-1988 continues the Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books story arc with William L. Shirer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
Publication Order of Berlin Diary Books
2 books 1941–1947
1

Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934-1941

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Berlin Diary Books with Berlin Diary: The Journal of a Foreign Correspondent 1934-1941, another outstanding contribution from William L. Shirer.

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1941
2

End of a Berlin Diary

End of a Berlin Diary continues the Publication Order of Berlin Diary Books story arc with William L. Shirer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1947
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
8 books 1952–1994
1

Midcentury Journey

Midcentury Journey continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with William L. Shirer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
2

The Challenge of Scandinavia

The Challenge of Scandinavia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William L. Shirer have come to expect.

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1955
3

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William L. Shirer have come to expect.

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1960
4

The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler

The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with William L. Shirer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
5

The Sinking of the Bismarck

The Sinking of the Bismarck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William L. Shirer have come to expect.

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1962
6

The Collapse of the Third Republic

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Collapse of the Third Republic, another outstanding contribution from William L. Shirer.

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1969
7

Gandhi: A Memoir

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Gandhi: A Memoir, another outstanding contribution from William L. Shirer.

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1980
8

Love and Hatred: The Troubled Marriage of Leo and Sonya Tolstoy

Love and Hatred: The Troubled Marriage of Leo and Sonya Tolstoy explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by William L. Shirer.

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1994

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is William L. Shirer?

William L. Shirer is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 13 books. Popular series include Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books, Publication Order of Berlin Diary Books, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best William L. Shirer series to start with?

For readers new to William L. Shirer's work, the Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with The Start: 1904-30 to start from the very beginning.

How many books has William L. Shirer written?

William L. Shirer has written over 13 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read William L. Shirer books in order?

Yes, reading William L. Shirer's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does William L. Shirer write in?

William L. Shirer writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 13 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are William L. Shirer's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of William L. Shirer's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is William L. Shirer's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, William L. Shirer's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of 20th Century Journey Books series. The first book, The Start: 1904-30, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.