Mien Kampf Fuhrer!: Version 1

by Stephen Peter Nicholas

The angry ranting of an obscure, small-party politician, the first volume of Mein Kampf was virtually ignored when it was originally published in 1925. Likewise the second volume, which appeared in 1926. The book details Hitler's childhood, the "betrayal" of Germany in World War I, the desire for revenge against France, the need for lebensraum for the German people, and the means by which the National Socialist party can gain power. It also includes Hitler's racist agenda and his glorification of the "Aryan" race. The few outside the Nazi party who read it dismissed it as nonsense, not believing that anyone could--or would--carry out its radical, terrorist programs. As Hitler and the Nazis gained power, first party members and then the general public were pressured to buy the book. By the time Hitler became chancellor of the Third Reich in 1933, the book stood atop the German bestseller lists. Had the book been taken seriously when it was first published, perhaps the 20th century would have been very different.

Beyond the anger, hatred, bigotry, and self-aggrandizing, Mein Kampf is saddled with tortured prose, meandering narrative, and tangled metaphors (one person was described as "a thorn in the eyes of venal officials"). That said, it is an incredibly important book. It is foolish to think that the Holocaust could not happen again, especially if World War II and its horrors are forgotten. As an Amazon.com reader has pointed out, "If you want to learn about why the Holocaust happened, you can't avoid reading the words of the man who was most responsible for it happening." Mein Kampf, therefore, must be read as a reminder that evil can all too easily grow.

Paperback

First published February 19, 2001

Reviews

[Raul Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

coming to the end of world war 1 all was spiraling down for Europe economically, government, and the system was not doing good for Britain France and Germany were all in debt because of being involved of the great war. while still being in the inter period and there is no possible way that all of them will be walking away with a smile on there face satisfied. Then the league of nations try to start to break this pattern power that were controlling them so they decide to switch to international relations but they grew to powerful and the problems were left unsolved. people try to see if there was any possible way to stay out of the depression and time period of hurt. so people resolved to the situation of communism in the soviet union and fascism was bieng run in Germany, France, britian. until people believed that you had to go to extreme measures like Adolf Hitler will do after the take over of Francisco Franco, Adolf took control with his nazi party and prepared Europe for yet another war on there home but this time no one to have there back, This becomes world war 2.

i didnt like this book because it was too much like a autobiography and was too informational on what was happening then on Adolf himself with what i realized. i looked into this book thinking it would be more of a look on Adolf Hitler and more into his mind and thinking ways, and would of gave some reason or facts of why he had done such tragic things to the jews and Europe. i also don't like the book because it is also more like telling you what was going on before the time before world war 2 and not enough what was happening during. this are a couple reasons why i dont like this book. i would recommended this book to people who like autobiographys and also to people who are into history and learning about information about that time period. i do not recomenmend this if ur looking to learn and get into the head of Adolf Hitler.this is what i think of this book and my summary of it

[Mike Da Silva]

I read this, trying to find out what made this thing so evil. I wasn't trying to justify any of what he did, because if you have a shred of morality or half a brain cell left, you know there is no justification for it. Mostly, it's a failed, blind individual telling stories to either convince the reader or himself, though I'm not sure which. How he became a leader, I don't know, but I believe the world is a much better place with out him.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh

[Mountainhombre · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to get insight into how Hitler became a monster.

The first few pages seemed to show an unexceptional childhood. When he encountered Jews, he viewed them as somewhat strange but held no hatred towards them.

Several pages later, he seemed to blame them for any problem that existed.

I only got about 15% of the way through before I stopped reading. The nearest I could figure, is that he was abused by trade unions (perhaps led by Jews?), and came to hate both Jews and unions.

It's difficult to accept all of the horrible things that happened because of one deranged mind . . .

[B.szoke · Rating 3 out of 5]

An invaluable source for anyone trying to understand what followed. While I cannot condone the actions that resulted from it, this book needs to be placed into it's own context, namely that of the social and political strife that Germany was experiencing post World War I. Had nothing else resulted from Hitler, this would still be a useful source. However, we know the ending, so to speak, and that makes this a much more important book to read. It needs to be read, so that one might understand, at least in part the roots of what would drive Hitler, especially since we have so few other direct insights into the workings of his mind.

[Nicholas Carpathia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't too resourceful... In fact, I'm surprised that a group of people had fallen in following the writer's views.
The original writer had the writing and spelling skills of a kindergartner, before the editor Stephen Peter Nicholas had worked his magic with the grammar and spelling for the English translation.
Still worth a look if you're into history.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. The way it was written is excellent. You have to read it in German to really connect with the author. I didn't expect Mein Kampf to be a great book it is a very easy book to read I have read this book over 5 times now and it is one of My favorite books. I love how this book was brilliantly written.

[James Canales · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book (even though it has monstrous ideas written by a monstrous man) gives a great insight of the anger hitler felt post WW1. How he rationales his ideas (no matter how insane they are.) the way he was able to pander to hate within people. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in 20th history infamous icons, ww2 or the inner workings of a madman.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow...that's all I can say. Definitely informative into the life and history of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Regime, but glory be...I'm hoping that it wasn't the book, alone, that made large parts of Europe think that Hitler had answers to their problems.

[Ebraheem Imam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Godfather <3

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some people are just nuts.

[Jesse Woodworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have yet to form an opinion.

[Jacob Underwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important book to read.

[Jevan Samarzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5