From the former secretary of the fuhrer comes a unique story which is easily believable because of the author herself. I've seen many interviews of Ms. Junge and have concluded that she is of high moral standard and has led a truly unique life because of the "Nazi nerve-center" she was a part of. Voices from the bunker illustrates the last few weeks of Hitler's life, aswell as the escape(s) of the surviving bunker dwellers. Because of her daily proximity to Hitler and the goings-on of the Fuhrer-bunker, the author offers a uniquely special rendition of the final days of Naziism. Covered in this book are the author's appointment to Hitler's staff, the activities of the "center of power" within the reich, circumstances leading to the eventuall downfall, Hitler's death and the escape from the bunker amidst Russian bombardment. This book is a light read, but filled with capturing discriptions of the last few weeks of the underground bunker which served as the command center of Adolf Hitler.

I've read Voices from the Bunker three times and will no doubt read it again. It is one of the most fascinating books I have read about Hitler. The book is made up of first hand accounts by three members of Hitler's inner circle: secretary Traudl Junge, aides-de-camp Otto Guensche, and pilot Hans Baur. About 95% of the account comes from Junge who was hired as one of Hitler's private secretaries in January 1943 (just in time for the tenth anniversary of Hitler's coming to power and less than two and one half years before the end of the Nazi regime). During much of this time, Junge's duties were primarily social. She accompanied Hitler for meals and relaxation almost daily. Her viewpoint is, admittedly, from an isolated world with one set of beliefs and a "puppet master" who controlled her day-to-day life and thoughts. She describes Hitler's demeanor and routine at the Wolf's Lair (Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia), at the Berghof (his mountain retreat), and finally in the bunker as Berlin was being surrounded. She offers a unique perspective on many aspects of the dictator's life: his dietary habits, his outlook on the war, his after-dinner small talk with such intimates as Eva Braun, etc. Junge also describes how Hitler was affected by the July 1944 bomb plot and how he handled himself as he neared his suicide. Finally, Junge, Guensche, and Baur each offer their experiences trying to escape war-torn Berlin. Many top Nazis are included in Junge's account: Goebbels, Himmler, Albert Speer, etc. Hitler comes out looking very human in this book as Junge's perspective is from one in an isolated world where Hitler was the charming host who played with his dog and cared about his loyal friends and employees. As the authors state in the introduction: "It is generally agreed today that the most shattering feature of those who commit genocide is not that they are monsters, but that they are just like many other people." My only complaint is that the book leaves me wanting more. It is only 166 pages with many short chapters and two sections of black and white photos. Junge died fairly recently at the age of 81 and I've read that she completed a book The Final Hour before her death. I have yet to find this book but, if it is an expanded version of Voices in the Bunker, it will be excellent.

Written by Pierre Galante and Eugene Silianoff and first published in 1989, this 166-page book gives a facinating insight into the routine, daily life of the German dictator from 1943 to the last days in the Berlin bunker in April 1945 - mainly through the recollections of one of his secretaries - Frau Traudl Junge [nee Humps].

The book also tells how Fraulein Humps met her husband Hans Junge, an officer with the Leibstandarte-SS, while in Hitler's employ [Junge was then one of his valets], and the reaction - including Hitler's - to his death later, fighting on the Eastern Front.

Fully indexed, there are also numerous candid photos of the principals, including Hitler, of course, along with Eva and Gretl Braun, SS-General Hermann Fegelein, Gretl's husband who was later executed for desertion, Albert Speer, and Joseph Goebbels and his family, as well as several shots of the Berghof, Hitler's mountain retreat.

Now I see from a newspaper account that this insightful book has been joined by another in the same vein, this time authored by 81-year-old Frau Junge herself and entitled To The Last Hour.

Recommended.

This is a fascinating first novel by this author. Superbly written, with insight into the nature of evil and the corrupting influence of power. The outcome of history seems inevitable in this sad/funny novel. A very good book that has not gotten the praise it certainly deserves. Well worth one's attention.

A very fascinating novel that is a richly layered study in suspense and satire. Beautifully done, I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

This is an interesting examination of the life of Hitler's pilot, Hans Baur. He lived to be well into his 90's and was a fascinating man who had unique access to the Fuehrer. Baur was in Russian captivity for 10 years and wrote his autobiography after being released in 1956; the book is the basis of much of the material here.

Baur met Hitler in 1932 and began flying him at that time. He was part of the Obersalzberg inner circle, as well as the Berlin crowd, and he knew Eva Braun fairly well. He also begged Hitler in 1945 to allow him to fly him out of the Bunker, but Hitler told him he had to die in his nation's capital, not at his Bavarian vacation home!

The book concentrates, naturally, on Baur's relationship with Hitler and others in the Nazi hierarchy. It is weaker on Baur's life post-1956, especially his years spent in retirement on the shores of a Bavarian lake. Still, for anyone with an interest in the inner workings of Hitler's entourage, this is an excellent book.

Hitler's Personal Pilot: The Life And Times Of Hans Baur is a fascinating, "insider's" account of the inner workings of Adolph Hitler's Nazi inner circle from the perspective of the only person that Hitler flew with through World War II. When the tide of war turned against the Germans, Hitler often turned to Hans Baur for advice about war policy and technical developments. Baur, blindly loyal to Hitler, was captured and imprisoned by the Soviets. Aviation historian C.G. Sweeting's Hitler's Personal Pilot is a superbly researched and written military biography that along with providing an informative picture of the air equipment used by the German air force of the time, also provides fresh and welcome insights and perspectives on the homicidal and suicidal men who were the principle architects behind the horrors of the Nazi regime and who led Germany to its destruction.

Mr. Parssinen has written a succinct and exciting account of the 1938 plot by a small group of German military officers, civil servants and civilians to remove Adolf Hitler from power. Colonel Hans Oster, the deputy to Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, head of German military intelligence, the Abwehr, inspired and coordinated this effort. For whatever reason, many historians have overlooked the significance and heroic quality of this plot. Some prior authors, such as Anthony Cave Brown in Bodyguard of Lies, have looked at the subject, and the "Schwarze Kapelle" (Black Orchestra) consisting of German military officers and conservative anti-Nazis has been the subject of prior literature. No author that I am aware of, however, has focused so specifically upon the 1938 plot or argued as persuasively as to its potential for success in a Germany not necessarily as enamored of Adolf Hitler as many think (because of concern over another war more than the immorality and barbarous conduct of the Nazi regime). Mr. Parssinen uses the materials gathered by another historian that he found in storage in military archives to make his case.

A significant element of the book is the short-sighted and ignorant nature of the British leadership, so devoted to the policy of "appeasement" that it ignored the multiple requests of Oster's representatives (including German diplomats) to stand against Hitler's plans for an invasion of Czechoslovakia. The author makes a strong and persuasive case for the position that, if Neville Chamberlain, Horace Wilson, Neville Henderson and the like, had done as the German conspirators requested, the downfall of a shaky Nazi regime might have occurred. Indeed, Mr. Parssinen even notes that in late September a team of commandos stood ready to storm the Reich Chancellery and capture or assassinate Hitler, when the British derailed Oster's plans with the Munich Accord.

The book, however, does not fully develop or convey the strength of character and conviction possessed by Oster or other members of the conspiracy, such as Abwehr attorney Hans von Dohnanyi. The author really only addresses the humanitarian impulse driving some members of the conspiracy in the Epilogue. A more extensive exploration of their personalities and motivations would be most welcome. I hope Mr. Parssinen will cover this in a follow up to his excellent work.

The Oster Conspiracy is an informative and compelling book. It carefully details the complexities of a pre-World War II conspiracy within the upper ranks of the German military while skillfully applying a portion of its energies to the fragile political climate in a Europe haunted by the specter of World War I. Many other depictions of pre-World War II Nazi Germany leave us with the impression that nationalistic hysteria pervaded almost every mind, that this was a nation of Adolph Eichmanns blindly following their fuhrer. This book focuses on individuals who in the middle of the Nazi madness assert their individuality and honor--resisting Hitler's suicidal tidal wave for the sake of their nation and humanity. It also emphasizes the initial reluctance of the German populace to enter into another war.

Moreover, it is the paralyzing fear of another war that helps render Britain's leadership inept in dealing with Hitler. In treating the actions of Chamberlain and Halifax, Mr. Parssinnen is especially skillful. With a well crafted narrative he delineates Britain's tragic role in the failure of Oster's plan to overthrow Hitler's regime. He tastefully handles the 'what if' factor of this moment in history giving the reader space to let his imagination search the possibilities of a 20th century with only one World War.

August Kubizeks book on his friendship is one of the greatest source books on the subject of Hitlers young life. You get the impression that many issues are still unresolved in Kubizeks own mind as to His 'role' in Hitlers life. A very lucid book that leaves out nothing. Kubizek seems to want to ask what the fuss is all about, Hitler was his friend, Whats the big deal?
One important thing about this book is that L Machtans theories ('Hidden Hitler') can be discounted after reading Kubizeks absorbing account of Hitlers developing ideas. I would strongly recomend this book to all those interested in the phenomenon that is Hitler

August ("Gustl") Kubizek was born on August 3, 1888 in Linz, Austria. His great passion was music and secretly he dreamed of making a career out of it, but knew this would never come to pass. He worked hard in his father's workshop doing manual work, mostly repairing and reupholstering furniture for customers. One day a special set was brought in from the theater down the street, and when work was finished on it, Kubizek was given the errand of delivering it back to the
theater. The caretaker directed him up onto the stage where he was supposed to fit the set back in, and at that exact moment there was a rehearsal in progress. He was changed from that moment on. While walking back to the workshop, he began to fantasize about being a conductor up on stage. Of course, he could not share this dream with anyone. Not his mother, for she had enough to worry about. She had lost three children to early deaths and feared losing Gustl, too. Not his father, for he was ill; thus making it more clear than ever what great responsibility lay on Gustl's shoulders. He was expected to someday take over the family business. Therefore, his parents had no clue of the dreams their son harbored.
He never missed a single opera, regardless of how tired he was after a long day's work, even though he could only afford a
standing place. The best view was from the pit, and the acoustics there were superior as well. You had to get there early if you hoped to get a coveted spot by one of the two wooden pillars to lean against during the (average) 3 hour performance. One evening as Gustl entered the theater, wondering whether he should take a place by the right or the left hand column, he discovered to his annoyance and astonishment that the right hand column was already taken. He observed his "competitor", someone even more enthusiastic than himself. The two young men took note of each other without exchanging a word. It wasn't until the next performance, during intermission, that they engaged in a conversation. Both expressed their dissatisfaction with certain members of the cast, but the pale young man never mentioned anything about himself, so neither did Gustl. Over time they met more and more frequently at the same performances and it became clear to them both that they had something in common: their great enthusiasm for the theater. One evening after a performance, Gustl accompanied the young man home, thus discovering that he lived on Humboldtstrasse 31. As they said their goodbyes for the night, the young man finally gave Gustl his name: Adolf Hitler.

The enormous human suffering produced by the Second World War makes it a subject of intense interest for those who seek to understand how irrationality can take hold of human behavior on such a massive scale.

Of course, Adolf Hitler was not operating in a vacuum when he launched the war that killed and maimed millions of human beings and left behind millions of tormented survivors. Following the First World War and the Great Depression, millions of people were ready to be seduced by his call for an all-or-nothing battle for glorious victory. As Nelken's numerous quotations make plain, Hitler always put the alternatives of death or glory before his listeners.

Arguably the reckless, open-ended ambition of would-be world conquerors like Hitler (or Napoleon for that matter) is ultimately self-limiting and self-destructive - when he eventually manages, through his aggression, to build up an overwhelming force against himself.

But where does such cold-hearted, cruel ambition begin?

In Parts Two and Three of this book, psychiatrist Michael Nelken presents a strong argument that the enormous destructiveness and cruelty of the Hitler regime in Germany can be understood in terms of Adolf Hitler's own highly dysfunctional early family life.

Nelken contends that Hitler's mono-maniacal career was set in motion by a family pattern Nelken calls "the encapsulated eldest son syndrome" (EESS), in which a male child (1) is taken emotionally as a substitute mate by an unhappy wife and (2) is assigned the role of his father's rival and adversary (or even enemy). Although it is fashionable in some circles nowadays to be dismissive of the importance of the role of early childhood experiences in shaping character, when one considers that a small, helpless, and powerless child has very few resources to draw on when it is placed in such an insecure and untenable position, it seems clear that the future consequences of such an extremely bad family system for the child will be profound and could turn out -- as in Hitler's case, arguably - to be catastrophic.

Indeed, Nelken argues that in almost every personal, political, and military move he made, Hitler was reenacting the terrible drama of his early life as a helpless, self-less being, subject to abuse by his alcoholic father (which eventually took the form of lashings with a belt) and the smothering emotional dependence of his fear-ridden mother, who looked to him as a protector.

Nelken presents an imaginary psychoanalysis of the young Adolf by Sigmund Freud that one would like to see enacted on the stage or screen.

A major fault of this controversial, insightful, at times brilliant book is that the author sometimes falls into a telegraphic style, treating metaphor as fact, or adopts a kind of personal short-hand that treats painful and serious subjects in a flippant manner. The author no doubt has his reasons for giving the reader such a jarring ride, but one wishes a manuscript editor had told this gifted author to "stifle himself" on these occasions, so that his ideas would get the serious attention they deserve.

Adolf Hitler is an icon for 20th century evil. His name is synonymous with genocide, "ethnic cleansing", and the horrible costs of war. While several authors have recorded the history of the Third Reich, few have examined the psychology of its architect, seeking to understand what could have driven him to his role in such a tragic episode of German and world history. Dr. Nelken, a psychiatrist and child psychiatrist, seeks to do so in this, his first book.

The book has three parts. In the first, the book's longest, Nelken looks at World War II, juxtaposing German military events and Hitler's actions as commander so as to paint the image of Hitler as a man who took nearly every opportunity, not only to lose the war but to drive Germany into the ground. Although this part is not directed at the nature of Hitler himself, it seeks to identify behaviors from which Nelken will later draw implications about Hitler's thought process. Not intended as a textbook of the war, the account is interesting, even if it does cut overly broad paths through military history.

In the second part, Nelken examines Hitler's upbringing using what facts are available. As with Freud's case of the Wolf Man, Dr. Nelken is limited to published material and does not have the opportunity to evaluate the man himself. While this is a great handicap to any mental health professional, Hitler's prominence in history assures us that many year's curiosity have brought some interesting facts and speculations to light. Nonetheless, this part of the book risks the error of generalizing from too little material.

The third part ends the book with the introduction of Nelken's theory, "the encapsulated eldest son syndrome". Nelken observes that a certain family constellation can be found in the personal history of several prominent men. The reader is still left wondering what makes some of the syndrome's suffers famous and others infamous. One also wonders to what extent this syndrome has been validated.

Although the author doesn't always seperate fact from conjecture, his perspective is a provocative one. The text is interesting and entertaining, and it reads well and quickly. If you want a detailed history of the war or of Germany you must look elsewhere. If you are interested in one psychiatrist's view of the personal dynamics that might have guided this twisted man's "final solution", final years and final actions, this book will give you food for thought.

Michael Nelken gives us new insights into the man whose obsessions killed millions of people and changed the world forever. It is a profound book which should be read by anyone who wants to know more about Hitler, World War II or the in depth psychology of suicide and destruction.

Although I have little interest in or understanding of this particular subject (medicine, health & illness, etc.) it is quite interesting for me inasmuch as it pertains to the Fuehrer. I was struck by the way the authors treated "Patient Hitler", presenting the facts in a clear and unbiased way.
The book is brief and offers the reader clear-cut medical data and explanations, sans negative commentary and personal prejudices, which I found pleasantly refreshing.
It was particularly insightful reading which drugs Hitler was given and how he reacted to each one. I also found their remarks about Hitler's mental state--especially throughout the last year of his life--of great value historically.
All in all it was really a quite fascinating read.

It is really a testament to the flinty conservatism of most historians that the Oprahfication of American culture has not yet been made retroactive in its history texts. While we have seen disturbing trends in the inroads tweed-jacketed neo-Marxists have made in driving political correctness into the heads of the foolish and ignorant, we have yet to hit rock bottom as evidenced by major efforts to understand the childhood traumas of Josef Stalin, or the various indignities which no doubt turned Vlad Tepes into Vlad the Impaler. Whereas the prophets of psychobabble dominate the present, the past is still replete with good, old-fashioned monsters, unredeemable through modern psychiatric understanding.

Even if one day this last rampart of sanity falls to the Prozac-entranced hordes, I suspect that one figure will remain too horrible to define by any therapeutic term: Adolf Hitler. This is not to say that investigating the hideous mental character of the archfiend is not worthwhile; just that comprehending pure evil may be as beyond our ken as understanding the nature of God.

Besides, Leonard L. and Renate Heston (M.D. and R.N. respectively) have already conducted a dispassionate study of Hitler which has been available for the past twenty years. "The Medical Casebook of Adolf Hitler" takes a novel approach to its subject: it merely treats Hitler as a patient and constructs a complete medical workup based on accounts accumulated from various high-ranking Nazis. This historical approach is fascinating in its simplicity; after all, it is easier (and far less perilous) to be objective about whether someone complained of sinus headaches than to report when exactly you learned about Treblinka.

Their findings are shocking and (to a layman such as myself) eminently credible. Historians tend to view Hitler as a lucky lunatic, viewing the mental decline of his latter years as the true Hitler, whereas the brilliant politician of the war's early years was merely a cunning disguise. This "rabid dog" view of Hitler always struck me as ringing hollow, as I could not imagine the likes of Erwin Rommel or Heinz Guderian eagerly embracing a madman. The authors blame the Fuhrer's very own Dr. Feelgood for pumping him full of methamphetamine and cocaine, an assertion which they support with a substantial amount of evidence.

If you're an avid student of World War II, Hitler, or merely one of the growing number of history fans who enjoy playing "What If?", you'll thoroughly enjoy this book on a much-neglected topic.

There are many theories as to what made Hitler the way he was, especially the apparent personality changes after about 1942. These include psychoanalytic theories, Adlerian theories, as well as theories of diseases including encephalitis and Parkinson's disease, etc. The Hestons discuss the pros and cons of all of these theories, and then offer one of their own. They are very thorough in their reasearch and presentation and give a very compelling case for their theory. Albert Speer, in introducing the book states that, after comparing their study with his own notes on Hitler, he believes their theory to be accurate.

William Shirer, perhaps most famous for his comprehensive history, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, or his live radio broadcasts from Berlin during the early days of World War II, has also written a thin little book titled, The Rise and Fall of Adlof Hitler. Although the work is geared towards a younger audience, the quality of writing, and information contained are quality fare for an older audience as well.

Shirer, begins his work with a young disgruntled Hitler, arguing with his father over his chosen profession, that of an artist. Shirer then chronicles Hitler's days as a vagabond, moving from one odd job to another across Austria and Germany. In these early years, we see Hitler not as a maniacal demagogue, but as an eccentric wanderer, searching for nothing in particular. However, World War I brought the demagogue forth.

After serving for four years in the Germany military, Hitler, disgruntled with the Treaty of Versailles and the weakness of the German nation decides to enter into political life. It is in a small beer hall that Hitler creates the new found Nazi party and enlists the help of such infamous men as Goering, Himmler, and Hess. Do to Hitler's exceptional charisma, the Nazi party begins to grow.

Following the now infamous "Beer Hall Putsch," Hitler is imprisoned and begins work on his seminal book, Mein Kampf. Following his release, the book sells millions of copies and Hitler is thrust upon the national stage. From here, Shirer illustrates Hitler's rise of Chancellor, and ultimately dictator of Germany. He discusses the serious of invasions and coups conducted under Hitler throughout Europe and subsequent intervention of the Allied Powers.

Finally, Shirer chronicles the decline of Hitler, and his subsequent decent in to madness. His paranoia, greed, and ultimate refusal of accept anything other than total victory led to not only the demise of Adlof Hitler, but also to the German nation.

Shirer did an excellent job chronicling the life of Adlof Hitler in a short and concise book. This would severe as an excellent text for a high school history course, or for any reader who wants to learn more about Hitler, but has very little time

This book tells so much about Adolf Hitler. How he lived his life and what it was like. William L. Shirer writes this in a first person perspective. He actually witnessed these things happening and lives to tell about them.

I read this little book when I was in fourth or fifth grade, was knocked out, and have been hooked on history ever since. Shirer condenses his massive "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" for younger readers. It's a gripping introduction to a subject you could spend your whole reading life exploring. It has the "fascination of abomination"; a first, cautionary introduction for kids to the scary things that happen in the adult world. If you want your children to grow up to be interested in politics, history, law, etc., this is a good book to give them.

The 'Trial of Adolph Hitler' sounds like a fascinating concept for a novel, and that's why I bought it. Although the writing was fair, I feel the story could have been researched & written much more thorough. It seemed to me the novel was written in spurts, because some parts seemed very suspenseful and fluid, yet others seemed like they were added to fill gaps. I got the impression the author tried to hurry and finish the story. It could have been a much better novel had the author spent more time on developing the character of the 80 year-old Hitler. For the most part, the character seemed like the stereotyped, one-dimensional dictator you see in 1940s cartoons; but a few short times, his persona seemed to take over. I would like to have seen more of that character. The first part of the novel seemed more detailed and well written; then there was a short trial, and then it ended. No big surprises. I was hoping Hitler's defense would bring up Stalin's atrocities, the US support of Castro and the Vietnam "Conflict"; I kept hoping for a 'message' but there was none. Still, a fair read. I learned a few things about Germany I didn't know. However, the trial seemed phony & the defense would have objected to the prosecutor selecting the judges. Just didn't seem realistic.

This book is good for just about anybody, it came through as an ideal ending for one of the most popular world war two "what if's?" in history, "What if Hitler survived, and turned himself in?" you won't be able to put it aside, the ending will boggle you completely. So, what really DID happen in the bunker?

Adolf Hitler survived the war and stays in hiding for years. He quietly builds the foundation for the fourth Reich, his final act? To appear before the world and stand trial for his actions. The novel was very realistic, and with the same thoughtful insight that went into stories such as "Inherit the Wind". The Fuehrer's defense was very intelligently presented. This book really makes you approach the events of the Nazi era with a different perspective.

ALthough not the most tightly written book around, Ron Rosenbaum has nonetheless produced one of the best books ever written about Hilter and about those who try to understand Hitler. I admire Rosenbaum for making it clear at several points that he has a point of view that he is not trying to hide, and yet I found him overall to be quite objective in his discussions about what other's think. He is a little harder than necessary on poor Hugh Trevor-Roper, but perhaps not without reason. Overall, this remains a marvelous cultural history, with the added bonus of a great detail of interesting information about Hitler.

I found Rosenbaum's portraits of those pursuing an explanation for Hitler, and those who say that there should be no attempt to try to undestand or explain the man, to have been uniformly intersting. Particularly disturbing were the chapters on the pitiful Hitler-as-a-nice-guy David Irving, and the awesomely awful, supremely arrogant and fascist Claude Lanzmann (can this man have any credibility left?). Perhaps most disturbing are the Steiner and Hyam Maccoby sections. Rosenbaum's section on Steiner led me to read his controversial The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H. I came away from that satisfied that Steiner is not a self-hating Jew who was trying to blame the Shoah on Jews. Rather, he wrote a thought-provoking book that has been used in ways that he naively did not (and does not) recognize could be done. Maccoby I find even more despicable than David Irving; what a hateful, narrow-minded, terribly sad person. Finally, the section of Goldhagen was quite illuminating, not only for its dissection of the weaknesses of Goldhagen's book, but, more imporantly, for the incredible hyprocisy displayed by some in the academic community--the font of freedom of ideas--who savaged Goldhagen.

No one need agree with the above characterizations. One of the wonderful things about Rosenbaum's book is that the author does two things--he gives plenty of information to let one reach one's own conclusions and also inspires one to seek out the works of those he writes about. (In addition to the Steiner book, I ordered Trevor-Roper's The Last Ten Days, Primo Levi's book on Auschwitz, and Berel Lang's Act and Idea in the Nazi Genocide.) The reader will also come away from the book with a much better understanding of Hitler, and what the central questions are about Hitler that seem to beg answering.

This is a thought-provoking, richly detailed book, that will profit all who read it. Rosenbaum is to be commended for his courage in tackling this subject, and for the relentlessly objective eye that he brings to the subject. This book, along with Ian Kershaw's first volume of his Hitler biography, are the absolute best places to start if the reader wants to learn about Hitler and his impact on the latter half of the last century.

This book is simply excellent. Rather than write a biography of Hitler, which has already been done hundreds of times, Rosenbaum set out to write about the historians that have written about Hitler and the Third Reich. He also includes in the book details about his journey to Austria, which is quite a nice story in itself. Particuarly well written are his chapters on Holocaust denier and discredited historian David Irving and the controversial, but legitimate, Daniel Goldhagen. Rosenbaum interviewed several historians on the question of "Why?" Hitler did what he did, and in the process revealed many interesting insights, such as the fact Alan Bullock now seems to almost disown his own book, Hitler: A Study in Tyrrany and no longer agree with the conclusions he reached a few decades ago. This book is an important work in the historiography of Hitler and the Third Reich.

Rosenbaum Explaining Hitler could properly be renamed Explaining Evil. It is a brilliant expose into the way that contemporary righters, historians and authors have sought to explain what some think is unexplainable. As important, the book presents a fine spring board for further reading on the subject.

What one comes away with is that there is no single way to explain Hitler, and that it is only when one infuses the multitude of explanations that any meaningful answer comes forward. Rosenbaum leaves out no possible explanation. Even those that are highly controversial. For instance in his chapter on Steiner he explores the concept that the Jews themselves could have been responsible for some of the anti-Semitism that existed in Nazi Germany. After reading the book I obtained a copy of Steiner's The Portage to San Cristobal of A.H. (A very good read and highly recomended). While Rosenbaum clearly does not believe that the Jews were responsible, and neither did Steiner for that matter, the chapter does make one think about Jews as active actors in the holocaust instead of the passive victims that they are often portrayed as.

Equally fascinating was the chapter on Goldhagen and the participation of the average German in the holocaust. While Rosenbaum certainly has a biased against Goldhagen, he presents each side of the controversy. From this chapter I read Turner's book on the Nazi rise to power, as well as Sereny's books on Franz Stengel and Speer. What comes out of the analysis is that while the acquiescence of the German people played a major role in the holocaust, this does not provide a singular explanation.

What was most disturbing was the chapter on Claude Lanzmann and the belief that to even ask "why" as to the cause of Hitler's evil is to disrespect the victims of the holocaust. Lanzmann, the creator of the film on the holocaust seeks to present himself as the be all and end all of holocaust studies. He ignores the fact that the inability to ask why is one important thing help define the concentration camps.

Rosenbaum does not seek to give the answer as to the origin of Hitler's evil. When I purchased the book I was hoping for such an answer, but by the end I knew that one would have been a been a copout.

This is an excellent book, not just for what it contains but because it makes one think about the origins of evil and responsibility for evil acts.