The Death of Hitler: The Full Story with New Evidence from Secret Russian Archives

by Ada Petrova, Peter Watson

“Revealing and well-written. . . . A significant book.”― Houston Chronicle It is one of the most enduring mysteries of the twentieth century: how, exactly, Adolf Hitler died and what happened to his remains. With access to the Russians' Hitler Archive, this book reveals not only what happened after the Russians captured Hitler's bunker but also why the Soviets felt the details of his death had to be suppressed. 52 photographs

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Colleen Lahey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting although no one knows for sure how Hitler died. We should never have allowed the Russians to take Berlin. They completely botched the analysis of the underground chamber that Hitler and Eva Braun were in.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conspiracy theories abound about exactly how Adolf Hitler died. This book compounds those theories but then comes down in favour of the real method Hitler used to take his own life.

Much of the detail comes from Russian archives, kept secret for 50 years, plus the authors had access to Hitler's (supposed) skull, and the damage done to it. It is this latter that, as the authors state, 'settles once and for all the manner of Hitler's death'. Does it? Can it be believed? One still wonders.

Life in the bunker is given in great detail and the personalities that inhabited it with the Fuhrer are very much to the fore, with Hitler's relationship with Joseph Goebbels, and indeed his wife, being particularly interesting. Many of those in the bunker died with him, some escaped in the breakout, others were simply taken prisoner. They all surrounded Hitler with great devotion and many, given the option to flee, chose to remain and face the consequences.

There are also a selection of Hitler's watercolours, very little seen, painted in his youth and, in fairness, they are not too bad ... if only he had stuck to his art ...

[Rebecca Reddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another rich history resource that gives new perspective, information, chronological details, maps, illustrations, and overall writing style. Helpful as well as insightful. Appreciated the research and evidence provided by the author. This was a good read, especially when watching "Hunting Hitler" on the History Channel. I recommend both to anyone doing their own hunting and wanting some ideas.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had promise but it started to get on my nerves after awhile. There was a refrain of "this is new and original information, only we have it, keep reading!" which after awhile becomes a bit tiresome. I kept reading as I wanted to see what the final conclusion was...nothing too mind blowing unfortunately. However, I found the thoughts on Hitler, as gathered from his personal affects e.g. photo album that he took into the Bunker with him, quite interesting. Could have been executed, for want of a better word, so much better. Bit of a shame.

[Syd · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just an average portrait of Hitler with no new bunker theories. Unless you feel compelled to read any WWII book that comes along like I do, it's not worth reading.

[Deb Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is the mid 90s and the unearthed skull of Hitler is found at the Kremlin. Thanks to glasnost etc etc records were released.

The author and Russian journalist are, therefore, determined to prove this is his skull. Definitely. Without a doubt.

DNA shows in 2009 it wasn't. But wait.

In 2018 a piece of jawbone WAS identified as Adolf's.

Either way, it's pretty clear yes he died in the bunker. Probably shot himself although I sympathize with the Russians wanting him to look weak and cowardly.

But the most fascinating of all this, to me, are the final days in the bunker. For everyone else. What a fecking insane experience for those who survived. A madhouse that stank of BO and almonds.

It will never not be fascinating. and there will always be new interpretations and analyses.

I just hope Putin ends up the same way. Wouldn't that be nice.

[Ellie Midwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making use of the Soviet archives recently opened to the researchers, “The Death of Hitler” sheds light on the events that occurred in the last days of the war and particularly, the question of how Hitler died and whether he died at all in his bunker (spoiler alert, he did) instead of making it out of Berlin at the last moment. There were many conspiracy theories concerning that last part but, using witness testimonies and independent forensic specialists’ conclusions, the authors paint a vivid and accurate picture of Hitler’s last days. Despite being a historic study, it makes for a highly compelling read! I’d definitely recommend it to everyone interested in the subject.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book goes through the Death of Hitler and reveals new evidence the Author found in the Russian archives in the 1990s. I enjoyed the book even though it was a bit technical in places. Interesting facts detailed in the book and had never read anything about the death of Hitler so this was very interesting to me. I got it from Thrift Books because the title looked interesting. Really revealing. Had no idea about the Goebbels deaths and the death of their children. Really enjoyed reading about what what discovered in the Russian Archives.

[Rhonda Ketterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fascination with Hitler and how he died remain and this book reviews some of the theories as well as presenting information from Russian Archives (Operation Myth). Most of which seems to corroborate the long held belief that he and Ava Braun committed suicide and were incompletely incinerated. As the Russians were the first on the scene they took the bodies, including a piece of Hitler’s skull, supposedly. It is of interest that as of this date there has been no DNA study done to verify this even though there are descendants whose material could be matched up. K

[Mary Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting

Interesting book. Full of facts, some well known and some little known. But all very interesting to the reader of this book.