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The Hitler Myths: Exposing the Truth Behind the Stories About the Führer
Was Hitler really a hero of the First World War and, if so, why was he not promoted beyond the rank of corporal? Was he the true author of Mein Kampf and did he write a second book that was never published, and was Hitler initially a socialist?
In The Hitler Myths the author clinically dissects many of these myths, often in a highly amusing fashion, as he exposes the inaccuracies and impossibilities of the stories.
The myths – the familiar and the obscure – are discussed chronologically, following the course of Hitler’s life. In his analysis of each of the myths, the author draws on an array of sources to prove or disprove the rumours and speculations – once and for all!
In The Hitler Myths the author clinically dissects many of these myths, often in a highly amusing fashion, as he exposes the inaccuracies and impossibilities of the stories.
The myths – the familiar and the obscure – are discussed chronologically, following the course of Hitler’s life. In his analysis of each of the myths, the author draws on an array of sources to prove or disprove the rumours and speculations – once and for all!
- GenresNonfictionHistoryGermany
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2022
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84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 28, 2022
My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Pen & Sword for an advance copy of this book on World War II history.
We live in a time where facts and figures for just about every subject can be Googled, Binged, Jeevesed, TOR Browsered in seconds, and yet many people treat knowledge, real facts and real figures as things that should be burned like books or witches. People talk about truthiness and fake news, while disseminating their own falsehoods, and heard-it-from-a-friend-whos without caring, or thinking or even feeling shame. In The Hitler Myths: Exposing the Truth Behind the Stories About the Führer, Sjoerd J de Boer attempts to tell the truth and expose some of the biggest fallacies about Adolf Hitler, a man whose myths continue to be excepted as fact.
Even before his suicide, which is a chapter in this book, many stories and lies were told about Hitler, from both supporters and foes. Hitler's heroism in the war, or lack of. Was he a poor starving artist in Vienna, or was he better off than he shared. Did he kill his niece, others, even himself. Was their an escape to Argentina, or did Hitler indeed die in the bunker. Unfortunately there are still many questions and half- truths that exist.
The book is told chronologically, starting with his birth and his parentage, through his student years, the First World War, and his ascension to power. The writer does a very good job of stating the story, how the myth might have started, and grown, presenting facts either backing or busting the story and giving more information for the reader to do their own research. The book is well sourced and written clearly, more a general history than an academic study. The chronology flows nicely and does not bog down, giving time to bigger stories, where needed.
An intriguing work, written well and without any purple prose or breathless tales of excess. The author does a very good job stating his case, making facts clear and helping the reader to understand where a story might have come from, why it gained traction, who gained and who lost from the lies, or untruths and why. Recommended for history fans who enjoy World War II and for those who like to read about conspiracy theories, and how they get lodged in the minds of people.
We live in a time where facts and figures for just about every subject can be Googled, Binged, Jeevesed, TOR Browsered in seconds, and yet many people treat knowledge, real facts and real figures as things that should be burned like books or witches. People talk about truthiness and fake news, while disseminating their own falsehoods, and heard-it-from-a-friend-whos without caring, or thinking or even feeling shame. In The Hitler Myths: Exposing the Truth Behind the Stories About the Führer, Sjoerd J de Boer attempts to tell the truth and expose some of the biggest fallacies about Adolf Hitler, a man whose myths continue to be excepted as fact.
Even before his suicide, which is a chapter in this book, many stories and lies were told about Hitler, from both supporters and foes. Hitler's heroism in the war, or lack of. Was he a poor starving artist in Vienna, or was he better off than he shared. Did he kill his niece, others, even himself. Was their an escape to Argentina, or did Hitler indeed die in the bunker. Unfortunately there are still many questions and half- truths that exist.
The book is told chronologically, starting with his birth and his parentage, through his student years, the First World War, and his ascension to power. The writer does a very good job of stating the story, how the myth might have started, and grown, presenting facts either backing or busting the story and giving more information for the reader to do their own research. The book is well sourced and written clearly, more a general history than an academic study. The chronology flows nicely and does not bog down, giving time to bigger stories, where needed.
An intriguing work, written well and without any purple prose or breathless tales of excess. The author does a very good job stating his case, making facts clear and helping the reader to understand where a story might have come from, why it gained traction, who gained and who lost from the lies, or untruths and why. Recommended for history fans who enjoy World War II and for those who like to read about conspiracy theories, and how they get lodged in the minds of people.
February 14, 2022
** Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for granting my wish to read this book **
I received an eARC, this opinion is my own.
Several bizarre myths and stories about the Führer seem to have taken root in our collective minds, in nineteen chapters the source of the myth is explained and where necessary debunked.
It is noted that this is not a biography - I rather refer readers to reading the biographies by Kershaw or by Volker Ullrich -
I studied German and worked as a German teacher - and have always been fascinated by the figure Hitler from a historical point of view. I have have most of the biographies and books that have been published about him at home.
The author eleborates on how Hitler became a highly decorated WWI soldier (EK1 & EK2), even when he was a footsoldier at the frontlines for a mere 11 days, the Langemarck Myth, the question whether he was poor and starving when he lived in Vienna, the rumour about him fathering a son, - Philip Loret - ( a French plumber); and the rumour that an English soldier spared his life during WWI; the author uses existing sources (Ian Kershaw, Mein Kampf, Internet, Newspapers).
A readable, fascinating and well-researched account, perfect for readers who want to know more about the man and the myth, but rather not read the fat encyclopedic biographies, and, of course for history buffs.
Highly recommended!! a five star read for me. *****
Publication date: April 30, 2022
I received an eARC, this opinion is my own.
Several bizarre myths and stories about the Führer seem to have taken root in our collective minds, in nineteen chapters the source of the myth is explained and where necessary debunked.
It is noted that this is not a biography - I rather refer readers to reading the biographies by Kershaw or by Volker Ullrich -
I studied German and worked as a German teacher - and have always been fascinated by the figure Hitler from a historical point of view. I have have most of the biographies and books that have been published about him at home.
The author eleborates on how Hitler became a highly decorated WWI soldier (EK1 & EK2), even when he was a footsoldier at the frontlines for a mere 11 days, the Langemarck Myth, the question whether he was poor and starving when he lived in Vienna, the rumour about him fathering a son, - Philip Loret - ( a French plumber); and the rumour that an English soldier spared his life during WWI; the author uses existing sources (Ian Kershaw, Mein Kampf, Internet, Newspapers).
A readable, fascinating and well-researched account, perfect for readers who want to know more about the man and the myth, but rather not read the fat encyclopedic biographies, and, of course for history buffs.
Highly recommended!! a five star read for me. *****
Publication date: April 30, 2022
May 10, 2023
#reklama
#współpracareklamowa
Książkę można przesłuchać w formie audiobooka w aplikacji @empikgo
Współpraca z @wydawnictwohistory
Chciałam Was zachęcić do kupna książki. W empiku gdy wrzucicie książkę do koszyka i w kodzie rabatowym wpiszecie "mityohitlerze" automatycznie cena spada o 50% także kochani ! Warto 🥰
"Wydaje się, że plotki są znacznie ciekawsze od rzeczywistości"
Jest to bardzo fajna pozycja. Muszę Wam powiedzieć, że jest to bardzo ciekawa lektura i naprawdę ją polecam.
W książce tej autor "rozprawia się z #mityohitlerze .
Rozdziały są krótkie , a tam takie tematy jak:
-czy Hitler był żydem
-czy miał syna
-czy mein Kampf jest dziełem tylko Hitlera,
-czy Hitler był artystycznym geniuszem
-testament Hitlera
-czy Hitler popełnił samobójstwo
I wiele wiele innych.
Przystępny język i nie aż tak długie rozdziały są zdecydowanie na plus.
Osoby, które lubią obalać mity i konspirację na pewno będą zadowoleni.
Ja szczerze polecam !
#współpracareklamowa
Książkę można przesłuchać w formie audiobooka w aplikacji @empikgo
Współpraca z @wydawnictwohistory
Chciałam Was zachęcić do kupna książki. W empiku gdy wrzucicie książkę do koszyka i w kodzie rabatowym wpiszecie "mityohitlerze" automatycznie cena spada o 50% także kochani ! Warto 🥰
"Wydaje się, że plotki są znacznie ciekawsze od rzeczywistości"
Jest to bardzo fajna pozycja. Muszę Wam powiedzieć, że jest to bardzo ciekawa lektura i naprawdę ją polecam.
W książce tej autor "rozprawia się z #mityohitlerze .
Rozdziały są krótkie , a tam takie tematy jak:
-czy Hitler był żydem
-czy miał syna
-czy mein Kampf jest dziełem tylko Hitlera,
-czy Hitler był artystycznym geniuszem
-testament Hitlera
-czy Hitler popełnił samobójstwo
I wiele wiele innych.
Przystępny język i nie aż tak długie rozdziały są zdecydowanie na plus.
Osoby, które lubią obalać mity i konspirację na pewno będą zadowoleni.
Ja szczerze polecam !
April 30, 2022
This book looks at 19 myths which have persisted about Hitler & examines the evidence for each one: did Hitler really have Jewish ancestry? Was he the true author of Mein Kampf? Did he fake his suicide & escape from the bunker? The author looks at contemporary & historical sources & the investigations of others to find the true answers once & for all.
No matter how many books I read on WWII, there's always something new to learn. I had heard of some of the myths discussed in the book, but others were unfamiliar. The author looks at each question in detail & considers the possible issues if they were correct. I found the last chapter discussing whether Hitler was a demon one of the most interesting chapters with the ramifications of arguing that Hitler was evil personified. No, I agree that we should remember him & the others as examples of the fact that normal human beings can carry out evil deeds - we should never forget this so history is not repeated. I thought it was well-researched & considered some intriguing perspectives, but I found the writing style a little dry & stilted at times, therefore I rate this 3 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword/Frontline Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
No matter how many books I read on WWII, there's always something new to learn. I had heard of some of the myths discussed in the book, but others were unfamiliar. The author looks at each question in detail & considers the possible issues if they were correct. I found the last chapter discussing whether Hitler was a demon one of the most interesting chapters with the ramifications of arguing that Hitler was evil personified. No, I agree that we should remember him & the others as examples of the fact that normal human beings can carry out evil deeds - we should never forget this so history is not repeated. I thought it was well-researched & considered some intriguing perspectives, but I found the writing style a little dry & stilted at times, therefore I rate this 3 stars.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword/Frontline Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
June 1, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: I am always fascinated with books about WWII especially ones that set the record straight. Hitler was a man who, was and is a magnet for many people. Sadly, there are still those out there who subscribe to his warped view of the world. They will seek to embellish the “heroic” or positive myths. The rest of the world leans more towards the myths that paint him as the monster he became. This book seeks to test the myth, the source and then apply other source material to determine if the myth has any basis in fact.
It is an interesting premise and one that is well researched. It looks at some common myths and adds in some that were less well known. For the student of history, there is some good reading. It is also a book that could be read cover to cover or dipped into one chapter at a time. Four purrs and two paws up.
It is an interesting premise and one that is well researched. It looks at some common myths and adds in some that were less well known. For the student of history, there is some good reading. It is also a book that could be read cover to cover or dipped into one chapter at a time. Four purrs and two paws up.
July 31, 2022
This book was a bit of an eye opener for me, as some of the ideas I had about the rise of Hitler to power, and then the build-up of Germany leading to WWII, were not as I thought. The myth of Hitler grew so rapidly and out of proportion to the real man, in response to the country's needing to believe in an almost godlike leader after the almost unbearable loss to the Allies in the Great War. Hitler's beliefs tended to resonate with others looking for a scapegoat for their ills. It is frightening so see how, in basically a few short years, a whole people and country can become inured to the destruction of a whole group of people, burned books, persecution of the churches, etc. It is also rather frightening to see how yesterday's mistakes are still being made today, in deifying white men who lead others to their doom.
May 16, 2023
Wciąż tajemnicza postać, nie było internetu, tabloidów na taką skalę, władza bardzo dbała o budowanie wizerunku, ale również kontrolowała to co przedostawało się do opinii publicznej. Dlatego wciąż intryguje, jaki był? Co go ukształtowało? Czy już urodził się potworem? Wokół niego przez dziesięciolecia narosło wiele mitów. Z kilkoma próbuje się zmierzyć autor. Objaśnia i te poważne dotyczące roli jaką odegrał w polityce i gospodarce niemieckiej. I tajemnice sypialni, życie seksualne dyktatorów nieustannie ekscytuje. "Mity o Hitlerze" to książka której warto poświęcić swój czas. Żeby zobaczyć jakie wyobrażenia o Hitlerze funkcjonowały przez dziesięciolecia. Ale też zastanowić nad fenomenem tego niskiego, brzydkiego mężczyzny, który zniszczył życie milionów ludzi na całym świecie. Za egzemplarz dziękuję Wydawnictwu Hi:story .
May 7, 2023
Czy Hitler był artystą?🎨 w kim gustował: 🧔 czy 👩🦰? A może był pochodzenia żydowskiego? 🤔 Gdyby tak było to można by go uznać za inspirację do stworzenia postaci Lorda Voldemorta 😈
Na przestrzeni lat wokół postaci Adolfa Hitlera powstało wiele mitów. Część z nich jest niezwykle absurdalnych, a niektóre z nich są warte rozważenia. Ogólnie jakby powstała biografia na podstawie samych mitów dotyczących tej postaci to wyszłaby z tego niezła komedia 🎭
W książce "Mity o Hitlerze" omówiono 19 mitów dotyczących Hitlera. Część z nich wyjaśniono, a część obalono. Jest to bardzo ciekawa pozycja na rynku wydawniczym. Powinna przypaść do gustu zarówno miłośnikom jak i amatorom historii. Mnie ta książka pochłonęła i przeczytałam ją z zapartym tchem 🙈
Na przestrzeni lat wokół postaci Adolfa Hitlera powstało wiele mitów. Część z nich jest niezwykle absurdalnych, a niektóre z nich są warte rozważenia. Ogólnie jakby powstała biografia na podstawie samych mitów dotyczących tej postaci to wyszłaby z tego niezła komedia 🎭
W książce "Mity o Hitlerze" omówiono 19 mitów dotyczących Hitlera. Część z nich wyjaśniono, a część obalono. Jest to bardzo ciekawa pozycja na rynku wydawniczym. Powinna przypaść do gustu zarówno miłośnikom jak i amatorom historii. Mnie ta książka pochłonęła i przeczytałam ją z zapartym tchem 🙈
February 1, 2022
Thank you so much to the publisher for granting my wish for this book. I am definitely someone who is fascinated by the incredibly dark and disturbing incidences that happen throughout history and of course the holocaust appears on that list. Therefore, when I saw this this book about Hitler and the myths and almost folklore that surrounds him I knew I had to read it.
It was a fascinating yet somewhat chilling read that washard to put down but also so hard to read. It is ironic that there are so many myths that surround one of the most well known men in history who in himself is almost a myth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in history or especially Hitler or the holocaust.
It was a fascinating yet somewhat chilling read that washard to put down but also so hard to read. It is ironic that there are so many myths that surround one of the most well known men in history who in himself is almost a myth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone in history or especially Hitler or the holocaust.
April 13, 2022
Mr. De Boer and Pen and Sword republish in English his 2015 Non-Fiction book debunking the prominent "Hitler Myths." Was Hitler a Socialist? Did he kill his niece Gelli after an incestuous relationship? etc. De Boer does an admirable job chronologically making a case against the mythos of Hitler that has been built up over the years. The interesting question is why a mythos was created? Hitler was the leader of a country bent on taking over the world and responsible for the murder of at least six million Jews as well as tens of millions of others due to the war. Why did he need to be lied about, the horrible truth was much more frightening.
April 20, 2022
This book would be great for readers of WWII. The information given is interesting and the sources he uses is documented very well.
This book is from publisher Frontline Books and downloaded from NetGalley.
This book is from publisher Frontline Books and downloaded from NetGalley.
February 2, 2022
Vsry interesting read for those who are interested in world War 2 books.
Definitely worth buying especially for gift
Definitely worth buying especially for gift
January 27, 2024
W ludzkiej naturze leży coś takiego, że ciekawią nas, a czasami nawet niezdrowo fascynują przejawy czystego zła. Być może dlatego Adolf Hitler, odpowiedzialny za niebywałe zbrodnie drugiej wojny światowej, ciągle przykuwa naszą uwagę, mimo upływu lat nieustająco stając się obiektem plotek i narastających wokół jego postaci mitów. Właśnie temu zagadnieniu poświęcona jest książka, którą dziś chcę wam przybliżyć. Książka, która rozprawia się z wszelkimi możliwymi teoriami spiskowymi na temat Hitlera, weryfikując rozmaite sensacje, niejasności, sprzeczności i dziwne historie krążące po świecie. Czy Hitler był Żydem? Czy miał dzieci? Czy był seksualnym dewiantem? Czy był geniuszem? Szaleńcem? Narkomanem? Jak zmarł? Co stało się z jego zwłokami? A może jednak wcale nie umarł w ostatnich dniach wojny, tylko uciekł ze swojego bunkra i długo jeszcze cieszył się życiem? Autor szuka odpowiedzi na te i inne pytania, konfrontując utrwalane przez lata mity z wnikliwie badanymi źródłami historycznymi. W dziewiętnastu rozdziałach punkt po punkcie sprawdza, weryfikuje, porządkuje i analizuje, prowadząc czytelnika przez gąszcz plotek, anegdot i oczywistych bujd. I jest to pasjonująca lektura! Gorąco wam ją polecam. Czytajcie, nie będziecie się nudzić.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews