A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler

by Richard Hanser

dust jacket present-slightly worn with tearing, yellowing, small water stain to edges. tight binding. limited markings or creasing. limited tearing or chipping to edges.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Holocaust, Biography, European History, Historical

319 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, factually speaking, I definitely have found (and even though I actually was mostly just quickly skimming over Richard Hanser’s presented text ) A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler a pretty decent and as such also a more than adequate general introduction to the White Rose, a sufficiently enlightening portrait of in particular Hans and Sophie Scholl (and also thus an educational presentation of the sorry and sad fact that the revolt of the White Rose against Adolf Hitler and the Nazis of course ended in total and utter failure, ended with multiple arrests and numerous executions for basically Hans, Sophie and their compadres just daring to publicly point out with their printed leaflets the failures of National Socialism and that the Third Reich was in fact and indeed the epitome of absolute and total evil).

And while I do pretty strongly believe that especially Inge Scholl’s account of her siblings’ courage and martyrdom, that her Die Weiße Rose (which is also available in English translation) is much more of an emotional thunderbolt, is considerably more engaging, immediate and also painful, Richard Hanser does with A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler present a text that is definitely and most certainly very much enlightening. But nevertheless, really and if truth be told, I absolutely (and albeit that Richard Hanser’s featured narrative is definitely and in general of a four star textual quality) cannot and will not consider more than three stars for A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler. Because yes, I most vehemently and angrily do think it majorly unacceptable and problematic for the author, for Richard Hanser to consider the revolt by the White Rose against National Socialism as in any way being an act of treason (and which Hanser in my opinion certainly does seem to pretty much insinuate with a book title such as A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler). For even if Hans and Sophie Scholl and the other members of the White Rose would of course have been labelled and considered acting as traitors in the Third Reich, by the Gestapo, by the Nazis, ANYONE today who would consider the Scholl siblings and their friends as traitorous is from my personal point of departure either ignorant or indeed somehow tainted with and by Naziism as a movement. And therefore (and of course only according to myself), for Richard Hanser to call his book on the White Rose A Noble Treason: The Revolt of the Munich Students Against Hitler, the author’s use of the noun “treason” to describe what the White Rose and the Scholls were doing, this does indeed totally and absolutely rub me the wrong proverbial way, because yes indeed, from where I am standing, the martyred members of the White Rose should only ever be seen as heroes and heroines and NEVER as even remotely being traitors, as being false, as being condemnable.

[Kusaimamekirai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps it was during the second Bush presidency where I first heard it. “Nazi” was the word more than a few people used to refer to him. The occasional “fascist” was also thrown in there but it was “Nazi” that really struck me. “Nazi”? Bush was many things, many of them unpleasant and dangerous, but a Nazi?
Here we are in 2019 and that word has appeared again, this time with even greater frequency in reference to Donald Trump and his administration. In an attempt to further shock a public that seems to need continual outrage and hyperbole to keep its interest, we now have immigrant detention centers that no matter how shameful (and many of them seem to be that) being referred to on twitter as “concentration camps” by some.
What is one to think of this kind of rhetoric?
Reading “A Noble Treason” and the story of two college students (as well as a handful of teachers and friends) who risked their material comfort, their lives, and the lives of their friends and families, to simply print leaflets denouncing the Nazi government, put things quickly into perspective for me. For you see, the real Nazis, the ones who in 1943 alone summarily executed thousands of people for even implying they were against the government, were unlike anything history has ever seen. There were no twitter hashtags, 24 hour news channels, or instagram to say whatever popped into your head. It was a reign of terror where college students were tried and executed within the span of 3 hours for laboriously printing thousands of leaflets, one by one. Stop and think about that.
It was a time of such widespread fear and intimidation that it was the rare person who would even voice a contrasting political opinion, much less try to actively destabilize the government.
That college students Hans and Sophie Scholl, in the end probably didn’t accomplish a great deal in the immediate downfall of Hitler’s regime is immaterial. That only a small number of the leaflets were read, most probably discarded or burned by those whose hands they fell into for fear of being discovered with them is also immaterial.
For it is the courage to even attempt it at the height of Nazi power and total conformity that is incredible na truly stands out. Yes, few acted on their leaflets perhaps, but their audacity exposed a crack in the Nazis wall of total control. They showed that if two college students could speak out and confound one of the most brutal regimes in the world with simple leaflets, there was still hope. The Scholls gave their lives for that hope and ultimately paid the ultimate price for it. They were true heroes during a time that desperately needed them.
So perhaps the next time we begin to compare someone to Adolf Hitler or call someone’s governnment “Nazi”, let us take a step back and remember what those words mean. Let us also remember Hans and Sophie Scholl, put down the texting machine, and think about how to use the immense freedoms they never possessed to do something heroic in our own time.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read anything I could find about Sophie Scholl and the White Rose. This book was a great addition perhaps the best I read so far. This is a psychological look at the National Socialist State as well as an investigation in to how an entire nation was captivated by Hitler. The players of the book consist of the core of the White Rose group, the six executed by the Nazis for daring to speak out. What I find most compelling about this book is the personalities and temperments of these six are examined and their actions explained in a much more rounded light. The reader will feel as if they're saying goodbye to friends as they each in turn are taken to death. I am most attracted to Sophie and her tendancy to fall deep into thought and be troubled by events that prik her conscience. The author writes, " She often brooded about life as a doorway to eternity, and she worried that the distractions of the passing day might blind her to the purpose and meaning of existence. Sophie writes in her diary, 'My heart gets lost in petty anxieties, it forgets the great way home that lies before it. Unprepared, given over to childish trivialites, it could be taken by surprise when the great hour comes and find that, for the sake of piffling pleasures, the great joy has been missed. I am aware of this, but my heart is not. Unteachable, it continues its dreaming...wavering always between joy and depression.'" The sketches of Willi Graf are equally amazing to me. He was unpolitical but felt he could not continue to live without protest to gross violations of humanity. The book touches on the religion of all and this seems to be their common tie and does not apologize, shrink, or get uncomfortable by their religious convictions. They risked everything for this idea and clung to it for comfort. This story is amazing...definitely my favorite written of Sophie.

[Jubilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is one everyone should become acquainted with at some point! It is the story of a couple of college students in Germany, who saw Hitler and his Nazi regime for what it really was at a time when few of their countrymen did so, and even fewer admitteded it, and instead of sitting back in complacency like so many of their fellow Germans they created the White Rose resistance movement and began actively doing what their means allowed by spreading pamphlets to the German people and stirring up others against the evils of the National Socialist party.

Ultimately it cost them their heads, and many people believed their efforts were a pointless loss, but after their deaths their story brought hope to the people of Germany and other countries, in and out of prisons camps such as Auschwitz, by announcing to the world that not all Germans were sunk to the bottom in the horrors and evils of Nazism, but there were yet decent people who had a moral basis and would stick to it; literally to the very end. A Noble Treason is not only the bearer of an incredible story but is written in a very gripping and informative way. Beginning at the start of the National socialist Party in 1933 it systematically goes through and explains the Hitler youth and its goals and other aspects of the Nazi regime and the doings of the Scholls and others, leading up to their deaths by guillotine in 1943. The story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and their fellow members of the White Rose is very stirring.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been absolutely fascinated by the story of the White Rose after learning about it in my high school German class. Since that time, I have pretty much read everything there is about the group. This book was out of print for some time and I suspect that it came back to print with a new title (adding the name Sophie Scholl to the cover)to be more identifiable and to cash in after the Sophie Scholl film came out in 2005.

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read this because I figured that it wouldn't tell me anything I hadn't already learned in other books and films, especially since this book was first published in 1979, before court and interrogation documents were unsealed and the public gained full access to the full story of the White Rose. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. This book placed a lot more focus on the early lives of the students and I learned quite a bit about their backgrounds in more depth than in other books. This book is a very interesting read and I definitely enjoyed it, but I think it is a better read after having some background into the story. It is fast paced but still reads like a history book. If you are interested in the story, I would suggest "Sophie Scholl and the White Rose," by Jud Newborn and Annette Dumbach. This book offers a wonderful overview, yet reads like a novel.

[Meridith · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, by chapter one I was like WTF is this even real?! Then I go around telling everyone I know that this shit really happened can you believe it? You can't right? Yeah me neither.

The story of the White Rose and the Munich student rebellion is nothing less than jaw-dropping for many reasons but especially for the kickass moral clarity of Hans and Sophie Scholl. They certainly do not make 19-year-olds like they used to. They're studying medicine, they're jotting down their profound thoughts about life, they're CHANGING THE WORLD, they're getting summarily executed. Seriously I found this tale so incredulous that I had to Wikipedia it despite the book's claim to be non-fiction. I did not know that this kind of courage existed in humans. Ever.

Other things I learned: Now, just as in 1940, most people suck and respond to demagogues but some will speak the truth against all odds. It's known as conviction even though today we are not that familiar with standing up for ideals as opposed to, say, the vapid worship of wealth and celebrity. Also, we need to get our priorities in order and take a page from the Scholl's book of resistance (minus the ending).

And bonus--you can play the fun game of spotting all the parallels to recent political developments! There's even an SS officer named Breitbart presiding over a bloodthirsty kangaroo court. Page 249.

The writing is pretty perfect and avoids the temptation to sentimentalize or sensationalize this story with a just-light-enough hand. Not easy with this level of pathos.

Recommended for anyone who needs to have their post-election faith in humanity restored. Here's to Freiheit!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm only maybe a third of the way into this, but I'm completely engrossed. It is amazing and inspiring to me that this group of German college students, with opportunity to hide behind all the protections their privilege might have provided, still had the inner resources to stand up and say "no" at a time when few around them would ever think of it. This is a story that should be added to the historical canon we teach students about World War II Germany. As is often the case, I find myself angry at the limited view of history my education provided.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deserves 4 stars for readability, but it deserves 5 plus stars for the message. This history of a group of college students who come together during the rise of Nazi Germany to stand for what they believe to be right is awe-inspiring. It is also frightening in the comparisons that can be made to the political climate in the US today. How is it that students so young put their lives on the line in order to make a 'stand' that very possibly would never survive the war? Read this book. It may change your way of living.

[Liberté · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sophie Scholl. Hans Scholl. Christoph Probst. Professor Kurt Huber. Alex Schmorell. Willi Graf.

There are hardly words to capture the impact and meaning of this book. It is better understood as a history of the White Rose group with special focus on Hans and Sophie Scholl than on Sophie in particular. The history actually spends more time on Hans as the leader and instigator of the White Rose movement, in contrast to the title. If all you know of the White Rose movement was that they distributed six leaflets criticizing the Nazi regime, while they were students in Hitler's Munich, know that is only the tip of the iceberg. As the author says, the threat they posed to the Nazi regime is best indicated by how swiftly and harshly the system came down upon them.

Beyond the leaflets, the White Rose was organizing with other resistance groups in Germany and beyond trying to rouse the German people into active resistance, Hans was desperate to do something even more dangerous to the regime. Through the efforts of Willi Graf, Hans Scholl, and Sophie Scholl, the leaflets were distributed outside of Munich in the thousands, even reaching outside of Germany. Even more startling is the moral certitude and strength of character exhibited by these young students. "Somebody, after all, had to make a start." Sophie and Hans Scholl were executed with Christoph Probst the same day of their conviction and struck even the prison staff of Stadelheim with their conviction. Willi Graf endured seven months of interrogation by the Gestapo and didn't divulge any new names for the Nazi state to lay hands upon.

Unsurprisingly, the history is a very difficult read. It covers the rise of Hitler and the effects of his state upon first the German people and then the victims of the German army. Knowing that these young people were doomed, and knew the risks they took, and took them anyway, has a power of its own. In her three days of interrogation, Sophie shared her cell with another woman, Else Gebel, a political prisoner, who recounted this memory for the history from the day of Sophie's trial (and execution):

Sophie’s bed, she noticed, was tidy except for a typescript that had been tossed on it. Looking closer, Else saw that it was the indictment. Sophie had left it behind, face down. She had written something on the back of it, a single word. The word was Freiheit!

[Note: There are some aspects to the book which are a function of when it was written (1970), and default off-handed misogyny towards women outside the White Rose - without particular knowledge of them, their motives, or their political leanings - was a feature when discussing Sophie's time in the female dorms of her public labor service.]

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-researched, eloquent, and insightful book weaves together written records and eyewitness testimonies to share the story of the Scholl siblings' early life and the White Rose resistance movement. I have read about the White Rose group several times before, but never in this much detail, and I was grateful to have such a good source to learn from. This book is full of rich information about Hans and Sophie's early lives and backgrounds, their relationships with their co-conspirators, and the unifying political and Christian ideologies that made these university students and their favorite professor willing to put their lives on the line to spread seditious literature against Hitler.

This is one of the most powerful books that I have ever read, and it was worthy of its subject matter from beginning to end. I am usually a fast reader, but it took me days to get through this book because I read it very slowly, absorbing every single word and going back to reexamine particularly well-constructed and insightful paragraphs. This book excellently captures the time, place, and conditions that these historical heroes experienced, and tells their story in its fullness with great respect for their motivating beliefs and the specific nuances and implications of their ideals. At the end, the author writes about the White Rose's ongoing legacy, but he never uses postwar political developments or ideas to explain or re-frame any element of the story. I'm used to reading histories that filter past events through the worldview and the lens of the present, but this delved deeply into the particulars of the past in a profoundly respectful, careful methodology, making the Nazi regime seem real and present.

A German could go to jail for six weeks or lose their head for commenting that the war was going badly for their nation, and any attempt to understand the bravery of the Scholls and their friends falls short without a true grounding in the extremism and barbarism of Nazi history. Richard Hanser provides the necessary political and social context for readers to understand this story and its true power, and even though he rightly praises these heroes as symbols of liberty whose deeds "lifted them above the nationalism of time-bound events," it is his attention to those time-bound events that make this book so extraordinary.

[Kathleen Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me awhile as I already knew the fate that awaited these intelligent, brave souls, but it was worth all that and more. The White Rose Revolt is a story everyone should know as we often learn of the power of the Nazis and we don’t often hear of those who resisted. Sophie and Hans knew the dangers & the value of their work- “What we did will make waves”

[Marquise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that's adequate as an intro to the topic, but not very thorough nor substantial for a deeper study of the group; and also contains a few White Rose legends it doesn't investigate further.

[Hugh Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hans and Sophie Scholl, one college professor, and a few classmates waged a private propaganda war against the Germans in Munich, the very heart of the Third Reich. Their ingenius methods of hiding and distributing their Resistance literature nevertheless failed to preserve their anonymity. In a nation where everyone might be a spy, all of the students suffered capture and the ring leaders lost their heads. What is most chilling about this book is the way neighbors and friends betrayed one another to the Gestapo. If a fugitive sought help, his best friends might immediately call the Gestapo. The Gestapo would find the fugitive anyway, so why die with him? This book will impress its reader that at our worst times we in the United States have never suffered such terror as the Germans did under Hitler.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT book about a group of amazing people and their resistance against the Nazi's during the height of WWII. Seriously if you can read this book--or any book about the White Rose for that matter--without getting misty-eyed and feeling a real and visceral sadness then you probably don't possess a soul.

[Deccancoffee]

I watched the German movie sophie scholl,the movie was excellent, it remembered me the bagath singh story, i hope reading the book would make it complete and recommend to read.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

After years of wondering why no one ever tried to stop Hitler's Nazi state - I now know that some did and lost everything by being brave. A must read for anyone interested in WWII.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. A primer for us who oppose the liberals' on-going destruction of the Constitution.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A phenomenal story but this book isn't really doing it for me. :)

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You may only be one person, but you have the power to change the world."

Before they were activists, they were just like you and me. From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, Susan B. Anthony to Janet Mock—these remarkable figures show us what it means to take a stand and say no to injustice, even when it would be far easier to stay quiet.

Men and women who resisted tyranny, fought the odds, and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities. Along with their portraits and most memorable quotes, their stories will inspire you to speak out and rise up—every single day. Especially speaking out against Fascism and Adolph Hitler had to be incredibly hard to do but yet there were people who stood up to even him and paid with their life. It is the rare person who tries and risks everything to improve the situation.

This is a penetrating and convincing analysis of the rise of the White Rose student dissident group in Germany in 1941-43. This book is one of the best accounts of what is now a well-told episode, because of its intelligent synthesis of the documentary evidence under which Hans and Sophie Scholl and their friends reached their decisions to stand up against the criminal National Socialist regime. Written in a fluent, accessible style, it is suitable for the reader approaching the subject for the first time, but especially for those seeking a more penetrating treatment of the intellectual and moral underpinnings of the White Rose phenomenon. The White Rose is a shining example of resistance to Hitler, but also of the ruthlessness which the Nazis authorities showed when faced with any opposition. People who have never lived under a totalitarian government have difficulty understanding how difficult it was - and how dangerous - to organize opposition to the government.

Richard Hanser's book is well worth the read. Where the heroes in this story must not be forgotten to remind us that we can do tremendous good by bravely taking action when others are brainwashed or afraid. Great book on a subject that I highly recommend.

[christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"einer muss ja doch mal schließlich damit anfangen. was wir sagten und schrieben, denken ja so viele. nur wagen sie es nicht, es auszusprechen." - diese worte spricht sophie bei ihrer anhörung am 22. februar 1943 zum präsidenten des "volksgerichtshofs", noch bevor sie am selben tag zusammen mit ihrem bruder hans scholl und christoph probst zum tode verurteilt und ermordet wird.

ein unscheinbares, schmales (aber kein kleines!) taschenbuch, welches ich in deutscher fassung zufällig im antiquariat entdeckt habe. die geschichte der weißen rose wird hier in ihrem gesamten kontext über dokumente, augenzeugenberichte (u.a von inge aicher-scholl, der schwester von hans und sophie), tagebücher, briefe und andere schriftliche zeugnisse sehr gut und bewegend veranschaulicht. es hat mich die vergangenen tage viel zum nachdenken gebracht und mich auch sehr traurig gestimmt. es ist unvorstellbar, dass das, was wir heute in deutschland als selbstverständlich empfinden, der grund war, wofür die studentische widerstandsgruppe damals ihr leben ließ.

"so ein herrlicher, sonniger tag und ich muss gehen.. aber wie viele müssen heutzutage auf den schlachtfeldern sterben, wieviel junges hoffnungsvolles leben- was liegt an meinem tod, wenn durch unser handeln tausende von menschen aufgerüttelt und geweckt werden?"

[LaochRione · Rating 4 out of 5]

The phenomenal story of Hans, Sophie and their friends in the White Rose revolt is fascinating to say the least. These two youths were originally members of Hitler Youth and yet learnt very quickly the dangers of the mob mentality it cultivated.
Similarities between the dangers the faced among their friends and at university are re-emerging for the youth of today in Western civilisation. Far-left wokism has brought about the dangerous precedence of cancel-culture which aims to silence dissenting voices by any means necessary - including violence.
This book should be read by the youth everywhere to encourage them to stand over their principles, to retain their freedom of thought and freedom of speech - especially in the face of violent opposition. Hans and Sophie show by their heroic lives and deaths, that these things really are worth dying for.

The book is let down by the repetitious nature of the author and the sluggish writing style. Information is presented and repeated more times than is necessary. The book is not, by any means, concise.

[Linda George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of how Hans Scholl and his sister Sophie together with a group of young Germans and a university professor opposed the Nazi regime and Hitler. Although as teenagers they joined the Hitler Youth, they became dissatisfied with the movement as they realized that it curtailed their individual freedom. Gradually they saw the barbarism of the Nazis as they trampled on other countries to spread their influence. Their belief in God and Christian morals led them to rebellion by spreading leaflets denouncing the Nazis and Hitler. This offense led to their deaths at the guillotine. Even so their leaflets spread to other countries and eventually were dropped by the thousands over German territory by Allied airplanes.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every encounter I've had with the story of the White Rose has been deeply moving and this book was no different. Hans and Sophie Scholl were young people who had the bravery to speak up against a tide of evil. They were swept under it at the time but their voices are still heard loudly and clearly today. We must stand against evil, no matter how lonely that stand may be - that is the lesson of Hans and Sophie and all of the other White Rose young men and women who gave their lives for the sake of truth. I was surprised to learn that almost all of those involved in the White Rose organization were people of deep faith. Hans and Sophie were especially committed to their Christian faith and their resistance sprang out of it. It was deeply moving to read about their reliance upon God in their last moments on earth and the comfort they found in Him and His Word. They went to their deaths with perfect peace.

Richard Hanser's writing is polished and beautiful but does suffer from a bit of the melodramatic. He might have been just a teensy bit overawed by the subjects of his book...but can you really hold that against him?

[Andy Hiscox · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. A lucid and engaging account of The White Rose Movement from its origins until it’s final demise at the hands of Hitlers henchman.

The personal accounts of the individual personalities of Hans and Sophie Scholl, Christoph Probst, and other members of this clandestine organisation is a revelation.

What struck me most was the bravery, dignity and sheer determination of these people who courageously made a stand against Hitler and his criminal regime.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in The German Resistance movement during WW2.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you finish this book, you will close it and take a deep, sad breath. This should be required reading, particularly for anyone worried about the trend toward intolerance and ruthlessness in modern society. What blows my mind about the story of the White Rose is that these young people seemed keenly aware that their moral courage would reverberate through the years and inspire future generations. Here I am, reading about them in America in 2019, and all I want to know is: Would I have the strength to do what they did?

[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable story, told with passion and respect for what the White Rose movement did. Their bravery and strength of character was amazing and you can't help but question whether you could have shown anything like their courage. It's also a warning from history - people didn't oppose Hitler in the early days of the Nazi movement because they didn't take him seriously and thought he was just a beer hall agitator. Never stop fighting Nazis.

[Mart Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story has been in my head since I saw the 2005 German film. This well-written book provides the details I was looking for. The conviction and courage of students/siblings Sophie and Hans Scholl and their friends against true evil stand in stark contrast to some on today's university campuses who demand "safe spaces" in which to hide in fear when someone doesn't share their opinions and values. Such delicate flowers should be dared to learn about the White Rose.

[M. I. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This narrative might have been wrapped up in about half the space. The author put too fine a point on the motives of the young heroes of the story. Nevertheless, this was a useful account of a series of events that I was unfamiliar with. I purposely chose to read it after reading Stalingrad by Anthony Beevor, because some of the motivation of the revolt stemmed from the disaster at Stalingrad.

[Atlantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of the more engaging books I have read regarding WWII in awhile. The youth resistance against the Nazi regime portrayed in this book draws connection to many modern 21st century culture themes. Freedom of religion, speech, expression and autonomy of ideas.

#40days #40books Lent#2025

[Katra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was somewhat familiar with the White Rose Revolt before reading this book and knew how it all would end. -Yet I had great difficulty putting the book down for any length of time. It is such an important story and so compellingly told. I highly recommend A NOBLE TREASON!