...this book captivated my attention. Very clearly and well written, Flood takes you almost step by step from Hitler's early years as a floundering nobody to the flourishing of what became the Nazi party under his rule. Be advised that this is as far as the timeline goes. The historical context is thoroughly discussed, a necessity considering that the rise of a man such as Hitler happened as a reaction to the political and cultural and social stagnation that occured in Germany after WWI.

In his book Flood goes into detail about the early years of Hitler's political awakening. Many events where Hitler himself had no influence are discussed at length in a very casual language. This is a lot of information about a short time, mainly between WWII and the mid-20's as he is released from the Landsberg prison. A treasure full of interesting anecdotes!

Fascinating book detailing the development of Corporal Adolph Hitler from his membership in an obscure poltical party which held it's meetings in the back room of a Munich beer hall in early Weimar Germany to his rise as a political force by 1922. Somehow, starting in 1919, this lazy failure began to realize a potential as a persuasive public speaker. Just as he rapidly honed his speaking skills, he also developed a gift in political organizing. Flood douses the reader with the minutia of the failed Munich beer hall putsch of November, 1923. Just as importantly, Flood paints the reader a picture of the landscape in which Hitler was operating- the chaotic, agonizing early 20s of Weimar Germany.

Adolf Hitler and the editors of Time-Life Books deliver yet another masterful performance. This book is not a couple of inches thick as other Hitler books are but, you feel you miss out on nothing because what other books have in information, and verboseness this one more than makes up with sharp, concise, professional writing. This one really takes you deep withing the inner circle of concentric power of the infamous Third Reich emanating from will of the Fuhrer. No other title has succeeded in providing such an intimate view of the secluded everyday happenings in the lives of the supreme masters, that you actually have the feeling of being a first person witness. The insiders view is intense, as much of the action revolves around the magnetic personality of Adolf, it is not only a historically accurate document but an really intriguing personal biography. The photographs are of first rate, and is instrumental in the overall feel of splendor of this title. Reading it is guaranteed to be a tremendous affair

Center of the Web, (im assuming its from the Time Life Third Reich series) is an absolute must for any Hilter, and Third Reich student. This title is from the masterful Time Life Third Reich series, assuring a competent work, and delivering a masterpiece. This book in laced with breathtaking pictures and illustrations. The writing is superb, and the captions are marvels by themselves. The atention to detail in the production of the cover, the design, and layout of the book is outstanding. While other books are content to throw facts and information at you, this book is in a rare categorie of books that totally immerse you into the storie. The book takes you deep into the highest sector of Nazi Germany. into the daily life of Adolf Hitler. Pure reading enjoyment.

Dorthea Meding's recent translation is timely and of interest to both historians of this important subject, the resistance, or Widerstand, within Germany itself to the course of the war, and its effects upon Germans then, and in the future. It is a remarkeable achievement in addition of skillful interviewing with the almost all of the surviving spouses of the key players in the 1944 plot to not only end HItler's lilfe, but to rescue the country from the brutal bombing, and mass expulsions taking place in the East at this time. It is humorously recounted, often (in the case of Dietrich Bonheffer's widow), always involved in the person of these women their constant concern for their children, their roles, and their views of the importance of the conspiracy later for Germany, and for what would came after the ashes of 1945. The women interviewed are extremely individualistic, and spirited, although many of them are close now to their eighties, or older. this reviewer regards the book as an important contribution to womens' literature, as well as to the literature of the resistance of this time.

What you ever wanted to know about the wifes whose men died fighting against Hitler in the underground during the Third Reich. Very intimate, touching and informing.

This is a comprehensive account of the ideological development of the Third Reich. I highly recommend anyone interested in the Nazi Germany to read this book. George L. Mosse has a writing style that I have encountered in few historians. He presents his idea's is simple, but profound manner. I can guarentee this book will get your brain juices flowing in a delightful way.

Mosse has challenged the set thoughts on the origins of the third reich (such as the Luther to Hitler theories and the idea that the people in Germany were merely subjected to propaganda, which ultimately shows the weakness of human beliefs). A must if one is studying Nazi germany or have an interest in twentieth century political theory.

While even many of his followers believed Hitler to be a "joke" not a threat, and few people really believed his propaganda, he was able to pull the nation out of the post-WWI depression and achieve complete power over Germany! The welfare state became his power base -- and it's all explained in this magnificent book written while it was happening. Every United States Voter should read this book, especially in the dawning 21st Century.

Der Fuehrer, by Konrad Heiden, published in 1944 by Houghton-Mifflin, is one of the best, if not the absolute best book I have read on Hitlers rise to power. From chapter one, "The Protocols of the Wise Men of Zion", the only history of this nefarious document's origin that I have found, Heiden gives the most detailed background history of Germany and the surrounding nations. His ability to take you from the end of WWI into the turmoil and chaos of post-war Europe is unparalleled. Being German and having lived through that time, he is able to impart an understanding and a grasp of the forces pulling the German people into this malestrom of uncertainty, desperation and chaos that brought the German people to such a level of anxiety that they could readily embrace such a figure as Hitler. For anyone interested in how one of the high cultures in Europe could degenerate into madness in such a short time, this is a "must read".

Ian Kershaw is the premier historian on Hitler and Nazi Germany and this book from the Profiles in Power series is an excellent study on the roots, success, and ultimate destruction of the "Fuehrercult." Two schools of thought are used by historians to understand the power of Nazism. "Intentionalists" see the Nazi regime as the embodiment of Hitler as the totalitarian leader. "Structuralists," however, believe the policies and, ultimately, the crimes of Nazi Germany were stumbled upon by underlings working under a loose framework rather than a deliberate program. As one would expect, Kershaw takes from both these theories to develop his comprehensive profile.

Kershaw examines Hitler's worldview of racial struggle, anti-Semitism, and living space for the German empire--how these ideas developed (Hitler's background) and how Hitler used them to create his leadership image. This Fuehrercult unified a fractional party, helped repress opposition, and created a mass following. Through Hitler's charismatic leadership the German people would be prepared to fight the Nazi fight (inevitably WWII). Kershaw also looks at the feudal-like power relations inside the Third Reich; a regime of open-ended decrees that left no "smoking gun" pointing at Hitler for the Final Solution. Finally, Kershaw examines the destruction of Hitler's power during which the irrational optimism that "Providence" (i.e. Hitler's will) would prevail was still believed by many (particularly the 'court' of Hitler's bunker). I recommend this book especially to advanced history students who want an in-depth examination of Hitler's power in a compact 230-page book. The book includes footnotes, an index, a chapter on further readings, and a chronology of events.

It is not your typical biography of Hitler. It is a thorough examination and analysis of Hitler's rise to power. It examines how he got power, how he maintained power, how he used power, and, finally, how he lost power. Quite an interesting book. Be sure to check out other books in this "Profiles in Power" series.

I have always been a fan of Charles Mitchell's work. His SCREEN SIRENS and DEVIL ON SCREEN (both McFarland publications) are now trumped by this truly original latest work, THE HITLER FILMOGRAPHY: Worldwide Feature Film & TV Miniseries Portrayals, 1940-2000, again, beautifully published by McFarland with a terrific hard cover and sprinkled with wonderful stills.
Mitchell provides excellent annotations for casts, plot outlines, all major credits and is particular good at providing "behind the scenes" information for hundreds of films with Hitler as a major (or minor) character. He deals with all American and international films with Hitler as a character...although I could not find THE DEVIL STRIKES AT MIDNIGHT (my favorite Hitler Siodmak film in German), his renditions of THE GREAT DICTATOR (Chaplin) and TO BE OR NOT TO BE (Lubitsch) are wonderfully famous and indispensible inclusions in this vast 303 page book. All film fans will love this beautifully produced book which also belongs in all libraries throughout the world. Although it is an A to Z format, you can pick up the book and start anywhere. Mitchell also provides an excellent index and bibliography. Although my life is "film noir"---and there are some excellent Hiltler noir films, I recommend this book highly for its depth of analysis and creative display by the author.
Another Mitchell triumph!

This is a fascinating book covering all films in which Hitler is depicted, over 100 worldwide. Most are comedies, including Chaplin's THE GREAT DICTATOR, Woody Allen's ZELIG, Jerry Lewis' WHICH WAY TO THE FRONT and Danny Kaye's ON THE DOUBLE (and MEL Brooks is not forgotten either!). then there are straight wartime dramas, THE HITLER GANG, THE DESERT FOX etc. I enjoy the fantasy films, such as FATHERLAND, an alternate history story and THE EMPTY MIRROR in which Hitler must atone for his crimes in Hell. Then there are foreign films, such as the Soviet propaganda films sch as FALL OF BERLIN, and the Czech science fiction film in which Nazis attempt time travel to win the war. Other films are more serious, such as the mini-series WAR AND REMENBRACE with poignant scenes of the holocaust. Mitchell writes and analyzes well, and manages to strike the right tone about why Hitler is reprsented so frequently in films. Mitchell writes, by focusing on Hitler, film makers are attempting to ensure that such a monster could never again gain power, In any case, Mitchell's book is fascinating and highly recommended. I never knew so many actors played Hitler, including Alec Guiness, Robert Vaughn, Moe Howard, Richard Basehart, Anthony Hopkins, Luther Adler and the all time record holder, Robert Bobby Watson. Many great illustrations. A great book!

(by E.M. Singer, author of "Mother Flies Hurricanes") No doubt about it, this guy was his own worst enemy. If he had done even one thing right, Germany probably would have won the war. A great book to whet your appetite for more reading on WWII; for recommedations on other books about World War II, visit the motherflieshurricanes.com website.

This book provides a concise overview of the many mistakes Hitler made during World War II that had dire consequences both for his grab for empire and Germany. While some of the things listed arguably didn't have an ultimate win-lose effect on Germany in the war (the failure to take Moscow and the failure to repel the D-Day invasion) others cannot be so easily disregarded. For example, several times Germany came close to vanquishing Britain early in the war and thus likely had a chance to win the entire war. The failure to destroy the British army at Dunkirk, the failure to invade Britain soon after the Dunkirk debacle, and the failure to destroy the RAF are all things that Hitler had within his grasp yet blundered the opportunities away (thankfully so for the rest of the world).

This book should give most if not all readers a chill when they realize how frighteningly close Nazi Germany came to victory.

This book's only shortcoming is that it isn't as clearly mapped out as the others, but what it lacks in organization of facts it more than makes up for in detail. I praise this author above all of Hitler's other biographers, because he was the LEAST-BIASED. He also digs deeper than most others were willing or able to. His statements were based on fact.
1.) Maser gives a thorough list of the key dates in Hitler's life, including the battles he took part in.
2.) He compares Hitler with Napoleon (very insightful!)
3.) He is one of the few to admit Hitler's enormous talent both as an artist and as a human being.
4.) Maser doesn't tend to demonize Hitler as readily as other authors did and still do.
5.) Maser reaveals some fascinating facts surrounding "Hitler's son"

The list goes on...
It is such a shame that this book is so hard to find in the States. A tip for all literate in German, try to get ahold of the updated German version of this book. You won't be disappointed.

Though Maser's treatment of Hitler is not as readable, fluid or as definitive as American John Toland's 1977 biography, this is the second-best biography written about Hitler.

Maser's historical credibility was compromised in 1977 by his announcement that he had discovered Hitler's "son," Jean Lorret, the result, supposedly, of Hitler's relationship with a Belgian peasant girl in World War I. The original German-language edition of this book carries that story, with photos of Hitler's alleged paramour.

This book is not good for novices, and it would help if there was a backlog of knowledge about Hitler prior to tackling Maser's prose. But for those who are well-versed in Hitler, this is an excellent book.

James Cross Giblin does a wonderful job of crafting the tale of Hitler's rise and fall. There is, of course, some bias since it expounds on Hitler's lack of compassion for those he deemed unworthy. Overall, he remains objective as he relates Hitler's life and how he lives on today through Neo-Nazis.

Some of the wonderful features the book offers are the array of photos, maps, and cartoons from the period. The book has an attractive format and is a straightforward read. It also contains an index, a glossary of German terms and phrases used, and an extensive list of source notes and works cited. The book would be a wonderful source for a paper or a jumping off point for a larger research project.

"There are no memorials to Adolf Hitler in Germany, the country he ruled with an iron hand from 1933 to 1945."

So begins THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ADOLF HITLER by James Cross Giblin, a book that provides essential information for young adults who want to understand the twentieth century. In writing a detailed biography of the most infamous human being of the last hundred years, the author has put together a fascinating story that never lets up. In doing so, Mr. Giblin also provides a clear overview of the events leading up to and through the second world war. Beginning with the haunting cover, the book is illustrated with large, clear photographs of the significant people and places we encounter, as well as several well-drawn caps to which I'd periodically refer as I read the book.

"To celebrate his triumph, Hitler planned a sightseeing tour of Paris, a city he had long admired but never visited. His favorite architect, Albert Speer, accompanied the Führer as he visited the ornate Paris Opera, drove down the broad Champs Élysées, stopped at the Eiffel Tower, and lingered for a long time at the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The three-hour tour through almost completely deserted streets--the French deliberately stayed away--ended on the heights of Montmartre, long known as a district for artists. Perhaps its narrow streets and outdoor cafés reminded Hitler of his youthful days in Vienna, when he himself had dreamed of being an artist."

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF ADOLF HITLER does an exceptional job answering the questions of how Hitler was able to gain control of the German government, and how his forces and henchmen were able to succeed so horrifically and effectively before they were finally halted. We see how the long-term effects of the Versailles Treaty on Germany lead almost inevitably to the opportunity for Hitler's rise to power. We are reminded of the significant anti-Semitism in the US, Britain, and other countries that figured into their less-than-stellar response to Hitler's aggression and genocide. (I can remember how my friends' families still weren't welcome at some private clubs in the 60's!) And, of course, we see Hitler from birth to death: as a son, a student, an artist, a failure, and a homeless person who eventually finds a group in which to belong. Joining that organization, making it his, and changing the world forever--the lesson here is not lost on the author, who ends the book with a profile of some Neo-Nazi groups in existence today.

We also get a good look at many of the trustworthy men who turned Hitler's maniacal goals into reality:

"Neat and methodical, Himmler was a born bureaucrat. He worshiped Hitler and would carry out any order the Führer gave him, immediately and without question."

I thought that I knew all about Adolf Hitler. But from the vivid photograph of one of his watercolor paintings to the details of his final hours with Eva Braun and Joseph Goebbels, James Cross Giblin has illuminated the life of a madman and given me a real education.

Richie Partington