World’s End

The Lanny Budd Novels, Book 1

By: Upton Sinclair

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

From the acclaimed author of The Jungle: the first in a Pulitzer Prize-winning historical saga about the son of an American arms dealer during WWI

Lanning “Lanny” Budd spends his first 13 years in Europe, living at the center of his mother’s glamourous circle of friends on the French Riviera. In 1913, he enters a prestigious Swiss boarding school and befriends Rick, an English boy, and Kurt, a German. The three schoolmates are privileged, happy, and precocious - but their world is about to come to an abrupt and violent end.

When the gathering storm clouds of war finally burst, raining chaos and death over the continent, Lanny must put the innocence of youth behind him; his language skills and talent for decoding messages are in high demand. At his father’s side, he meets many important political and military figures, learns about the myriad causes of the conflict, and closely follows the First World War’s progress. When the bloody hostilities eventually conclude, Lanny joins the Paris Peace Conference as the assistant to a geographer asked by President Woodrow Wilson to redraw the map of Europe.

Perfect for fans of The Winds of War, World’s End is the magnificent opening chapter of a monumental series that brings the first half of the 20th century to vivid life. A thrilling mix of history, adventure, and romance, the Lanny Budd Novels are a testament to the breathtaking scope of Upton Sinclair’s vision and his singular talents as a storyteller.

©1940 Upton Sinclair (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Lanny is a lens through which we can watch

Lanny is a lens through which we can watch world events unfold and make our own judgments -- granted, with a former muckraker's slant. This is a book I kept wanting to return to despite there not being much drama in the main character's life. The drama surrounds him, though. Bronson Pinchot as always brings all of the characters to life. He really is one of the best audiobook narrators out there.

Brilliant

This is a fascinating novel, set before, during, and after WWI. The characters are all compeling; the story ranges across Europe and the US; and the reader is absolutely brilliant.

Bravo. Bravo. Bravo!

This entire series has my highest recommendation. The writing, characters, philosophies, history, suspense, action, and passion - everything and more one would expect from a masterpiece of literature.
Bronson Pinchot’s narration is truly outstanding. In fact, it’s perfect. Bravo!

Well done

I have read the Lanny Budd books multiple times, and was delighted to find an audiobook version performed by one of my favorite narrators. Bronson Pinchot is fantastic, and tells Lanny's story extremely well.

Versailles tragedy from Lanny Budd as witness. With great first name!

Upton Sinclair writing and personal character of Lanny Budd. Historical fiction akin to Herman Wouk..,but better.