The Long Night: William L. Shirer And The Rise And Fall of the Third Reich    by Steve Wick Order:  USA  Can Palgrave Macmillan, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch Best remembered for his The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, journalist William L. Shirer was largely known for this single comprehensive volume that covers the Second World War. But there is much more to this man and his involvement in war reporting. Using not only existing material but never-seen-before journals and letters from Shirer's time in Germany, Steve Wick has pieced together this interesting look at what was unfolding, especially in the years before Shirer had to flee the country. Shirer started the Berlin bureau of CBS News in the 1930s. From his vantage point he had a ringside seat for the rise of the Hitler and the Nazis. When the Germans swept into Austria in 1938, Shirer was the only American reporter in Vienna. He let Americans know what was happening during the Anschluss until he was removed at bayonet point from the broadcast center in the heart of the city. He was there also in 1940 when the forces of the Third Reich swept into France and took Paris. His was one of the few uncensored, eye-witness accounts of what happened during those dark days. Having worn out his stay in Germany and attracted too much attention, the reporter realized that the Gestapo was building a case of espionage against him, so he fled the country and didn't return until after the war ended. For those interested in World War II and the role played by the American press in reporting the conflict, this is a must read. If you are familiar with Shirer's classic account of the war, this new book 'fleshes out the story' and offers some insights into the man who wrote the book. It's a fascinating account that is as riveting as any fictional war story! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews