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Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II / the Violent Century: War Leader #11
Skorzeny: The Most Dangerous Man In Europe
The classic account of German World War II commando operations, with new material on a possible wartime Churchill-Mussolini correspondence, alleged involvement of the British in Mussolini's death, and Skorzeny's post-war association with Nasser and Evita Peron.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1972
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Charles Whiting
256 books52 followersCharles Whiting was a British writer and military historian and with some 350 books of fiction and non-fiction to his credit, under his own name and a variety of pseudonyms including Ian Harding, Duncan Harding, K.N. Kostov, John Kerrigan, Klaus Konrad, and Leo Kessler.
Born in the Bootham area of York, England, he was a pupil at the prestigious Nunthorpe Grammar School, leaving at the age of 16 to join the British Army by lying about his age. Keen to be in on the wartime action, Whiting was attached to the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment and by the age of 18 saw duty as a sergeant in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany in the latter stages of World War II. While still a soldier, he observed conflicts between the highest-ranking British and American generals which he would write about extensively in later years.
After the war, he stayed on in Germany completing his A-levels via correspondence course and teaching English before being enrolled at Leeds University reading History and German Language. As an undergraduate he was afforded opportunities for study at several European universities and, after gaining his degree, would go on to become an assistant professor of history. Elsewhere, Whiting held a variety of jobs which included working as a translator for a German chemical factory and spells as a publicist, a correspondent for The Times and feature writer for such diverse magazines as International Review of Linguistics, Soldier and Playboy.
His first novel was written while still an undergraduate, was published in 1954 and by 1958 had been followed by three wartime thrillers. Between 1960 and 2007 Charles went on to write over 350 titles, including 70 non-fiction titles covering varied topics from the Nazi intelligence service to British Regiments during World War II.
One of his publishers, Easingwold-based Rupert Smith of GH Smith & Son said he was a quiet man and prolific writer.
"He's one of a band of forgotten authors because he sold millions of copies and still, up to his death was doing publishing deals.He was the kind of man who was very self-effacing, one of Britain's forgotten authors, still working at 80 years of age, with his nose down and kicking out books."
Charles Henry Whiting, author and military historian died on July 24 2007, leaving his wife and son.
Born in the Bootham area of York, England, he was a pupil at the prestigious Nunthorpe Grammar School, leaving at the age of 16 to join the British Army by lying about his age. Keen to be in on the wartime action, Whiting was attached to the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment and by the age of 18 saw duty as a sergeant in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany in the latter stages of World War II. While still a soldier, he observed conflicts between the highest-ranking British and American generals which he would write about extensively in later years.
After the war, he stayed on in Germany completing his A-levels via correspondence course and teaching English before being enrolled at Leeds University reading History and German Language. As an undergraduate he was afforded opportunities for study at several European universities and, after gaining his degree, would go on to become an assistant professor of history. Elsewhere, Whiting held a variety of jobs which included working as a translator for a German chemical factory and spells as a publicist, a correspondent for The Times and feature writer for such diverse magazines as International Review of Linguistics, Soldier and Playboy.
His first novel was written while still an undergraduate, was published in 1954 and by 1958 had been followed by three wartime thrillers. Between 1960 and 2007 Charles went on to write over 350 titles, including 70 non-fiction titles covering varied topics from the Nazi intelligence service to British Regiments during World War II.
One of his publishers, Easingwold-based Rupert Smith of GH Smith & Son said he was a quiet man and prolific writer.
"He's one of a band of forgotten authors because he sold millions of copies and still, up to his death was doing publishing deals.He was the kind of man who was very self-effacing, one of Britain's forgotten authors, still working at 80 years of age, with his nose down and kicking out books."
Charles Henry Whiting, author and military historian died on July 24 2007, leaving his wife and son.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 29, 2020
Another fine addition to the collection. I need to go back and refresh myself on this one. Skorzeny was a master at espionage and what today we would call “Black Ops.” He orchestrated Mussolini’s escape which in itself was amazing. And then the training of special forces to infiltrate the Allied lines for operation “Wacht on Rhein.”
Unlike most the leaders we are familiar with, his actions after the war are the true conundrum. We wonder what happened to Bormann, but do we really care? Otto is a whole different story. Like JFK, I doubt we’ll ever now for sure.
An excellent introduction to this man of genius and mystery.
Unlike most the leaders we are familiar with, his actions after the war are the true conundrum. We wonder what happened to Bormann, but do we really care? Otto is a whole different story. Like JFK, I doubt we’ll ever now for sure.
An excellent introduction to this man of genius and mystery.
June 29, 2017
Always wanted to read this book about WWII's most famous commando.
Otto Skorzeny was ordered to report to the Wolf's Lair (Hitler's HQ in Prussia) in 1943. He was escorted into a room with several other officers of similar rank (standartenfuhrer, major), where he had to pronounce his name slowly so they understood him. He had no idea why he was there. He was simply ordered to report. Soon enough, Der Fuhrer entered the room. Everyone snapped crisply to attention. One by one, Hitler stood before each officer whilst an aide introduced the officer to Germany's dictator, reading a short one-page report of the man's background, experience, etc.
Hitler asked each of them the same question...Only one question..."What do you think of our Italian allies?"
Each officer answered the same. They believed Italy was a staunch supporter of National Socialism, and completely loyal to the cause of the war.
When Hitler approached Skorzeny and asked him the same question, Skorzeny replied, "That's quite a question, Mein Fuhrer...I'm Austrian."
Hitler stared long into the 6 foot - plus Skorzeny before dismissing everyone except him. Then Hitler explained to Skorzeny why he had been ordered to his HQ. "I want you to rescue my dear friend and ally, Benito Mussolini," Hitler ordered. "He has been captured by Italian Army traitors and is being held until they can figure a way to turn him over to the Allies. This cannot happen at any cost."
With this single mission, Otto Skorzeny's name was forever referred to as 'The Most Dangerous Man in Europe.'
In Whiting's book, he provides detailed information of Skorzeny's missions. Skorzeny was in fact, a brilliant officer who understood the value of commando tactics, a rarity in the German Army at the time. In fact, there were many superior ranking officers opposed to his style of fighting. However, he had the ear of Hitler, and was thus pretty much given free reign to do as he pleased, so long as he was successful. The book describes what he and his men endured in locating Mussolini, and how they conducted the glider operation that rescued the deposed dictator from the Gran Sasso. Later missions described are detailed too. There's the failed attempt to capture the Yugoslavian partisan leader, Marshal Tito. Then his successful mission in Hungary that forced them to remain fighting alongside Germany throughout the war. In this mission, it was then believed Skorzeny to be the most dangerous man in Europe because his operations not only changed the course of a battle, but the war itself. The book briefly describes what happened to Skorzeny after the war. Some mention of the trial takes place, but if you want to learn more about that, I suggest you read Skorzeny's biography, 'My Secret Missions,' by Skorzeny himself.
This is a very good book as most of Whiting's books are. If you're a history WWII buff, you'll want to read this.
Otto Skorzeny was ordered to report to the Wolf's Lair (Hitler's HQ in Prussia) in 1943. He was escorted into a room with several other officers of similar rank (standartenfuhrer, major), where he had to pronounce his name slowly so they understood him. He had no idea why he was there. He was simply ordered to report. Soon enough, Der Fuhrer entered the room. Everyone snapped crisply to attention. One by one, Hitler stood before each officer whilst an aide introduced the officer to Germany's dictator, reading a short one-page report of the man's background, experience, etc.
Hitler asked each of them the same question...Only one question..."What do you think of our Italian allies?"
Each officer answered the same. They believed Italy was a staunch supporter of National Socialism, and completely loyal to the cause of the war.
When Hitler approached Skorzeny and asked him the same question, Skorzeny replied, "That's quite a question, Mein Fuhrer...I'm Austrian."
Hitler stared long into the 6 foot - plus Skorzeny before dismissing everyone except him. Then Hitler explained to Skorzeny why he had been ordered to his HQ. "I want you to rescue my dear friend and ally, Benito Mussolini," Hitler ordered. "He has been captured by Italian Army traitors and is being held until they can figure a way to turn him over to the Allies. This cannot happen at any cost."
With this single mission, Otto Skorzeny's name was forever referred to as 'The Most Dangerous Man in Europe.'
In Whiting's book, he provides detailed information of Skorzeny's missions. Skorzeny was in fact, a brilliant officer who understood the value of commando tactics, a rarity in the German Army at the time. In fact, there were many superior ranking officers opposed to his style of fighting. However, he had the ear of Hitler, and was thus pretty much given free reign to do as he pleased, so long as he was successful. The book describes what he and his men endured in locating Mussolini, and how they conducted the glider operation that rescued the deposed dictator from the Gran Sasso. Later missions described are detailed too. There's the failed attempt to capture the Yugoslavian partisan leader, Marshal Tito. Then his successful mission in Hungary that forced them to remain fighting alongside Germany throughout the war. In this mission, it was then believed Skorzeny to be the most dangerous man in Europe because his operations not only changed the course of a battle, but the war itself. The book briefly describes what happened to Skorzeny after the war. Some mention of the trial takes place, but if you want to learn more about that, I suggest you read Skorzeny's biography, 'My Secret Missions,' by Skorzeny himself.
This is a very good book as most of Whiting's books are. If you're a history WWII buff, you'll want to read this.
April 17, 2017
No extraneous listing of people who really had nothing to do with him, no tedious background that goes on ad nauseum, this book starts with a short bio and goes on to describe both his successful and his failed assignments. It is written by an American officer who met Skorzeny in his later years.
If you find this extraordinary soldier, who happens to have been a Nazi, an interesting character, you will, enjoy this concise rendering. (concise, but not condensed)
If you find this extraordinary soldier, who happens to have been a Nazi, an interesting character, you will, enjoy this concise rendering. (concise, but not condensed)
May 23, 2025
Interesting character, but the book is not that well written.
Firstly, the author frames it as he is about to meet Skorzeny, but no actual first hand information is presented, on the contrary, the book feels written from open source. A lot of events are not detailed or leave room for speculation, there is no opinion, view, feeling or anything from Skorzeny.
In the end it presents a corespondance between Churchill and Mussolini which upon further research on the internet seems forged.
Firstly, the author frames it as he is about to meet Skorzeny, but no actual first hand information is presented, on the contrary, the book feels written from open source. A lot of events are not detailed or leave room for speculation, there is no opinion, view, feeling or anything from Skorzeny.
In the end it presents a corespondance between Churchill and Mussolini which upon further research on the internet seems forged.
March 11, 2025
This book is not particularly well written but it does detail some of the more exotic events of WWII, such as the rescue of Mussolini. The author comes across as somewhat disturbingly sympathetic to this Nazi SS officer who worked bravely and innovatively for a host of dictators while, much of the time, also serving, sometimes unknowingly, the CIA.
March 18, 2022
A great book to know Otto Skorzeny. An amazing unconventional military man known to be the most dangerous man in Europe. More books to read, especially his memoirs and books that recounted his amazing missions. What a great read!
October 27, 2025
another good Ballantine book
February 6, 2017
Short but excellent bio on this fascinating character.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews