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Hitler's Generals
In Hitler's Generals, distinguished historian Correlli Barnett has gathered together an outstanding team of military historians to write about the characters and careers of twenty-six generals of the Third Reich. The book probes the central mystery of why a generation of the world's most able commanders and staff officers came to be seduced by Hitler, and why they failed to deflect him from his disastrous decisions.
528 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1989
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252 people want to read
About the author
Correlli Barnett
42 books20 followersA freelance historian and writer, Correlli Barnett was educated at Trinity school and Exeter College, Oxford, where he took a degree in modern history. After national service in the Intelligence Corps from 1945 to 1948, Barnett worked for the North Thames Gas Board until 1957, then in public relations until 1963. He was historical consultant and part author of the BBC series 'The Great War' and won the 1964 Screen Writers' Guild Award for best British television documentary script.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 10, 2017
This was a slow read for me since I really struggled through a few of the chapters which were dry as the Sahara. Correlli Barnett compiled this book with each chapter written by a different historian/scholar on 23 of Hitler's Generals. It has a good introduction, photographs, glossary, maps, and an explanation of the German Army rank structure; all of which are helpful in following the careers and activities of each General. A chronology of each man is also given which identifies what happened to them after the war - suicide, execution, prison, or freedom. He further breaks the book down into categories: the anti-Nazi Generals, the Desk Generals, the Fieldherren, the Battlefield Generals, and the Innovators.
Anyone who is familiar with WWII will recognize these men although it is usually the Battlefield Generals (think Rommel and Paulus) who get the most coverage in other history books and Desk Generals such as Warlimont get rather short shrift. The only problem I have is the use of different authors for each chapter which creates an uneven flow of narrative. But it added a lot of information of which I was unaware and would recommend this book to WWII buffs.
Anyone who is familiar with WWII will recognize these men although it is usually the Battlefield Generals (think Rommel and Paulus) who get the most coverage in other history books and Desk Generals such as Warlimont get rather short shrift. The only problem I have is the use of different authors for each chapter which creates an uneven flow of narrative. But it added a lot of information of which I was unaware and would recommend this book to WWII buffs.
July 19, 2023
2,5 stars rounded down.
A collection of essays about some generals of the German Reich during WW2. Therefore the coverage of different generals vary quite a lot. Strongest part of the book seems to be the early part, or I got really tired of the "fan-boyish" writing. The most interesting part of the book was how someone could write someone as "almost anti-nazi, very efficient" and then the next writer would write about the same general in totally different terms when referring to him briefly in other context. It feels like the writers of the essays almost always tried to find an excuse or to write away all the things that happened as either "patriotism" "duty" "he wasn't a fan of Hitler" "this one time in a private note he said he didn't like the guy" "opposed to him once verbally" etc.
Writers vary a lot, from generals who fought against the mentioned person to historians to sons/grandsons of the general in question. Some essays are more personal about the actual person, and some just recount battles fought.
Hasn't aged very well but as books about German generals are lacking, it's still a decent look into the backgrounds and battlefield experiences of the higher ups.
A collection of essays about some generals of the German Reich during WW2. Therefore the coverage of different generals vary quite a lot. Strongest part of the book seems to be the early part, or I got really tired of the "fan-boyish" writing. The most interesting part of the book was how someone could write someone as "almost anti-nazi, very efficient" and then the next writer would write about the same general in totally different terms when referring to him briefly in other context. It feels like the writers of the essays almost always tried to find an excuse or to write away all the things that happened as either "patriotism" "duty" "he wasn't a fan of Hitler" "this one time in a private note he said he didn't like the guy" "opposed to him once verbally" etc.
Writers vary a lot, from generals who fought against the mentioned person to historians to sons/grandsons of the general in question. Some essays are more personal about the actual person, and some just recount battles fought.
Hasn't aged very well but as books about German generals are lacking, it's still a decent look into the backgrounds and battlefield experiences of the higher ups.
August 31, 2020
In Hitler's Generals, Noted historian Correlli Barnett gathers a host of Historians to look at each of the central military Characters of the Third Reich in turn, reflecting on their incredible Tactical, Grand Tactical and strategic acumen. Yet they let Hitler waste their skills and eventually their beloved Fatherland, without really questioning any of the central tenets of his Strategies or of the insanities of his philosophy. This paradox, makes the study of each of their stories fascinating albeit a bit shabby and shameful at the same time. Dividing the narrative into the Anti-Nazi Generals, the Desk Generals, The Feldherren (the real masters like Kesselring, Kleist, Manstein) the Battlefront Generals(Rommel , Model and others) and lastly the Innovators where Guderian, who help to create Armoured Doctrine, and Student, who really brought airborne infantry into vogue are discussed, the book really gives each soldier exposition. But each essay tries and fails to give a really good explanation for their continued adherence to Hitler as his irrational behaviour and interference in military matters got worse and made their lives and their fellow citizen's lives worse. These days, it still makes a chilling and enigmatic read.
When Hitler comes to power, the Generals at the top try to resist and maintain their control of the Military. But scandal- and the Reichswehr wariness of the larger Nazi SA - contrived to make the leadership malleable just at the time of the "Night of the Long Knives"-where the SS murdered the SA Leadership and unified the Nazi Party. That brought with it the "Hitler Oath"- where Wehrmacht Officers took an oath personally to Hitler, instead of to the German State. When things began to go wrong in the war- many would discuss this oath as if it was a central reason for their complicity. But the narrators excellent writers in their own right, like Brian Bond, Barry Leach, Walter Gorlitz,Carlo D'este , Martin Middlebrook, and General Sir John Hackett, are pretty consistent in pointing out that that was not good enough. The plethora of illegal orders, political murders, the police state, and the "Final Solution" all were things that HAD to be stopped- and these Soldiers seemed to ignore them. Just not good enough- but a fascinating read.
There are a lot of adult themes but no graphic details of violence so this is a good book for a interested Junior reader over about 12 years of age. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this is a real treasure trove. The gamer might not get too many Scenario details here- but they will get a much keener insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the Wehrmacht system of command. The Modeller will get a lot of Diorama ideas - a few every few pages - and the Military Enthusiast will love the focus on disparate backgrounds that could produce fine German technocrats. One hopes the readers of all bents will get the central message of don't allow yourself to serve a Violent Autocratic Dictatorship- otherwise you WILL be guilty of the charges against you. Too many of these "Simple Soldiers" refused to look around and see the state they served was corrupted- and too many of them deserved their sad fates of War Crimes trials. A great addition to the WWII library.
When Hitler comes to power, the Generals at the top try to resist and maintain their control of the Military. But scandal- and the Reichswehr wariness of the larger Nazi SA - contrived to make the leadership malleable just at the time of the "Night of the Long Knives"-where the SS murdered the SA Leadership and unified the Nazi Party. That brought with it the "Hitler Oath"- where Wehrmacht Officers took an oath personally to Hitler, instead of to the German State. When things began to go wrong in the war- many would discuss this oath as if it was a central reason for their complicity. But the narrators excellent writers in their own right, like Brian Bond, Barry Leach, Walter Gorlitz,Carlo D'este , Martin Middlebrook, and General Sir John Hackett, are pretty consistent in pointing out that that was not good enough. The plethora of illegal orders, political murders, the police state, and the "Final Solution" all were things that HAD to be stopped- and these Soldiers seemed to ignore them. Just not good enough- but a fascinating read.
There are a lot of adult themes but no graphic details of violence so this is a good book for a interested Junior reader over about 12 years of age. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this is a real treasure trove. The gamer might not get too many Scenario details here- but they will get a much keener insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the Wehrmacht system of command. The Modeller will get a lot of Diorama ideas - a few every few pages - and the Military Enthusiast will love the focus on disparate backgrounds that could produce fine German technocrats. One hopes the readers of all bents will get the central message of don't allow yourself to serve a Violent Autocratic Dictatorship- otherwise you WILL be guilty of the charges against you. Too many of these "Simple Soldiers" refused to look around and see the state they served was corrupted- and too many of them deserved their sad fates of War Crimes trials. A great addition to the WWII library.
February 28, 2022
The editor commissioned essays on several leading German Generals. Each is a fascinating study of the individual's personal history as well as his military history. An excellent volume and definitely required reading for anyone interested in military history.
October 11, 2025
I normally don’t write reviews, but this book is impossible to rate with numbers alone.
In a world where the “clean Wehrmacht” is not a carefully constructed myth, I would give this book no less than 4.5. Some chapters are genuinely well-written, with a good balance of personal history, military strategy overview, and political context. Others go too much into the tactical details - which, granted, is a bit unfair to complain about when reading a book of this kind - but they still remain digestible and not excessively dry.
Several chapters completely spoiled the experience though. Some essays are so apologetic that you begin to wonder whether you’re reading a history book or some revisionist far-right pamphlet. The chapter on von Reichenau, in particular, almost made me quit the book altogether…
Overall, it’s a generous three from me - the book is a mix of strong essays with solid historical analysis and, imo, very questionable pieces that are hard to get through without raising your eyebrows.
In a world where the “clean Wehrmacht” is not a carefully constructed myth, I would give this book no less than 4.5. Some chapters are genuinely well-written, with a good balance of personal history, military strategy overview, and political context. Others go too much into the tactical details - which, granted, is a bit unfair to complain about when reading a book of this kind - but they still remain digestible and not excessively dry.
Several chapters completely spoiled the experience though. Some essays are so apologetic that you begin to wonder whether you’re reading a history book or some revisionist far-right pamphlet. The chapter on von Reichenau, in particular, almost made me quit the book altogether…
Overall, it’s a generous three from me - the book is a mix of strong essays with solid historical analysis and, imo, very questionable pieces that are hard to get through without raising your eyebrows.
December 1, 2009
This is a useful overview of some of Germany's leading generals in the years leading up to World War II and their performance in that conflict. This is a volume that looks at the "good" (e.g., Rommel, Guderian, Manstein, Kesselring), the "bad" (e.g., Paulus), and the "ugly." (e.g., Keitel and Jodl). As such, it provides context for understanding the actions, decisions, and effects of a series of major general officers.
Is this book a whitewash? Hardly. Generals such as Senger are portrayed as trying to ignore the atrocities that they knew were happening and rationalizing their unwillingness to do anything. The desk generals, such as Keitel and Jodl are portrayed in less than a flattering light. The fates of generals who were not wholeheartedly Nazi is part of the context of the behavior, perhaps, of some of these generals (witness the fates of generals such as Beck and Fritsch).
Interesting, too, is the discussion of the commanding field generals, such as Rundstedt, Manstein, and Kesselring. One wonders what might have been if there were more Manstein's and fewer Nazi loyalists in high command. But, given the micromanagement of Hitler and his desire for pliant commanders, that seems improbable. Another interesting element of the volume is its consideration of battlefront generals--some of whom, like Rommel, were excellent and some of whom, like Paulus, fell short.
The last two chapters examine "innovators," one of whom is the well known Guderian, whose armored perspective was revolutionary and not always appreciated by more traditional generals. His ongoing conflicts with Hitler are aptly illustrated (and see Guderian's autobiography, "Panzer Leader," for more detail). Student was for the airborne forces the equivalent of Guderian with armor.
This is a useful volume, with relatively short chapters detailing the talents (or lack of same) and the courage (or lack of same) and the accomplishments (or lack of same) of a wide array of German generals.
Is this book a whitewash? Hardly. Generals such as Senger are portrayed as trying to ignore the atrocities that they knew were happening and rationalizing their unwillingness to do anything. The desk generals, such as Keitel and Jodl are portrayed in less than a flattering light. The fates of generals who were not wholeheartedly Nazi is part of the context of the behavior, perhaps, of some of these generals (witness the fates of generals such as Beck and Fritsch).
Interesting, too, is the discussion of the commanding field generals, such as Rundstedt, Manstein, and Kesselring. One wonders what might have been if there were more Manstein's and fewer Nazi loyalists in high command. But, given the micromanagement of Hitler and his desire for pliant commanders, that seems improbable. Another interesting element of the volume is its consideration of battlefront generals--some of whom, like Rommel, were excellent and some of whom, like Paulus, fell short.
The last two chapters examine "innovators," one of whom is the well known Guderian, whose armored perspective was revolutionary and not always appreciated by more traditional generals. His ongoing conflicts with Hitler are aptly illustrated (and see Guderian's autobiography, "Panzer Leader," for more detail). Student was for the airborne forces the equivalent of Guderian with armor.
This is a useful volume, with relatively short chapters detailing the talents (or lack of same) and the courage (or lack of same) and the accomplishments (or lack of same) of a wide array of German generals.
February 17, 2021
I was afraid this would be boring, but it wasn't. It was interesting to see the progress of the war as experienced by various senior people. Sometimes the accounts are contradictory, with both beliefs expressed with great certitude (I think Kluge's commitment to the coup attempt comes to mind). And that's just the way it goes.
I really felt the swirling incompetence of the senior staff who KNEW Hitler must be deposed, but declined to do so for various reasons. They swore an oath. They serve the political leadership. Wah wah wah. Generally (heh), the General's response was anemic. Afterwards they all claimed they were doing their duty, and it looks like they mostly were. Narrowly defined. It really resonated with me as to the Republicans' current anemic response to Trump. Wah wah wah.
I really felt the swirling incompetence of the senior staff who KNEW Hitler must be deposed, but declined to do so for various reasons. They swore an oath. They serve the political leadership. Wah wah wah. Generally (heh), the General's response was anemic. Afterwards they all claimed they were doing their duty, and it looks like they mostly were. Narrowly defined. It really resonated with me as to the Republicans' current anemic response to Trump. Wah wah wah.
November 14, 2012
Despite my earlier comment r.e. that swine Irving, this book is still well worth reading, in the first instance because of the extremely interesting, though subtle, differences in perspective of the various distinguished contributors. It would still be worth reading aside from that, however, even if only because the late General Dr. Ferdinand Maria von Senger und Etterlin's excellent biographical sketch of his father, General der Panzertruppe Fridolin von Senger und Etterlin, is so beautifully written...
June 27, 2025
Entre fardas bem passadas, organogramas militares impecáveis e uma devoção metódica à cadeia de comando, "Os Generais de Hitler" expõe com crueza e meticulosidade o mecanismo que permitiu a uma sociedade supostamente civilizada afundar no abismo da barbárie. O livro é uma coletânea de perfis biográficos e análises históricas sobre os principais comandantes militares do Terceiro Reich, divididos em categorias que vão dos generais de gabinete aos inovadores táticos e o resultado é um painel assustador de competência militar descolada de qualquer freio moral.
A obra mostra como muitos desses homens, formados em uma tradição militar de excelência prussiana, preferiram se apegar a um senso distorcido de dever e hierarquia em vez de encarar a realidade monstruosa do regime que serviam. A famosa justificativa "cumpri ordens" ganha aqui contornos ainda mais incômodos: quanto mais se entende a eficiência da máquina militar que esses generais operavam, mais evidente se torna a profundidade de sua omissão ou cumplicidade. Quando submetido ao caos político e à veneração cega por Hitler, o brilhantismo tático não purifica; apenas torna mais eficaz a desumanização.
Barnett e seus colaboradores não caem na armadilha de pintar os generais como heróis trágicos. Ao contrário, nomes como Keitel e Jodl são retratados sem indulgência, como burocratas da guerra que preferiram a submissão à responsabilidade. Mesmo os mais brilhantes, como Manstein, Rommel e Guderian, não escapam do julgamento implícito: ao priorizar a lealdade ao chefe em detrimento da humanidade, tornaram-se parte da engrenagem do horror.
Este livro não é apenas uma biografia coletiva de homens de uniforme. É um aviso! Em um tempo em que se volta a exaltar "ordem" como sinônimo de virtude, convém lembrar que, sem questionamento moral, o respeito absoluto à norma é precisamente o que permitiu o funcionamento da máquina totalitária nazista. O Terceiro Reich não precisou apenas de fanáticos; precisou de técnicos, especialistas e, sobretudo, de homens como esses generais: eficientes, disciplinados e incapazes de dizer "não".
A lição final é clara e incômoda: em certas circunstâncias, desobedecer pode ser o maior ato de civismo. Pensar é um dever, e a história desses generais nos mostra o que acontece quando esse dever é negligenciado em nome de uma lealdade doentia à autoridade. Leitura essencial para quem prefere humanidade à eficiência.
A obra mostra como muitos desses homens, formados em uma tradição militar de excelência prussiana, preferiram se apegar a um senso distorcido de dever e hierarquia em vez de encarar a realidade monstruosa do regime que serviam. A famosa justificativa "cumpri ordens" ganha aqui contornos ainda mais incômodos: quanto mais se entende a eficiência da máquina militar que esses generais operavam, mais evidente se torna a profundidade de sua omissão ou cumplicidade. Quando submetido ao caos político e à veneração cega por Hitler, o brilhantismo tático não purifica; apenas torna mais eficaz a desumanização.
Barnett e seus colaboradores não caem na armadilha de pintar os generais como heróis trágicos. Ao contrário, nomes como Keitel e Jodl são retratados sem indulgência, como burocratas da guerra que preferiram a submissão à responsabilidade. Mesmo os mais brilhantes, como Manstein, Rommel e Guderian, não escapam do julgamento implícito: ao priorizar a lealdade ao chefe em detrimento da humanidade, tornaram-se parte da engrenagem do horror.
Este livro não é apenas uma biografia coletiva de homens de uniforme. É um aviso! Em um tempo em que se volta a exaltar "ordem" como sinônimo de virtude, convém lembrar que, sem questionamento moral, o respeito absoluto à norma é precisamente o que permitiu o funcionamento da máquina totalitária nazista. O Terceiro Reich não precisou apenas de fanáticos; precisou de técnicos, especialistas e, sobretudo, de homens como esses generais: eficientes, disciplinados e incapazes de dizer "não".
A lição final é clara e incômoda: em certas circunstâncias, desobedecer pode ser o maior ato de civismo. Pensar é um dever, e a história desses generais nos mostra o que acontece quando esse dever é negligenciado em nome de uma lealdade doentia à autoridade. Leitura essencial para quem prefere humanidade à eficiência.
January 29, 2025
This book is a collection of papers on the various generals that served in the German Armed forces in the period before and during the second world war. Although it is each individual author focusses on one or a few generals, one does get a comprehensive overview. What this book could do with is more of a comparative chapter where generals are compared or a verdict from the writer's perspective is given, apart from the verdict of all individual essay producer. This would provide an opportunity to reflect on some of the contradiction in the essay's (e.g. von Kluge's and Guderian's view on several of the campaigns they fought together) it would also serve to put in perspective some of the negative and positive points written about the generals in each essay and counter the essay writer's bias towards some of these generals. Overall a good read and good insight in the workings of the military machine and relationships between officers in that machine.
April 30, 2022
Hitlers generaler är en samling faktaberättelser om 26 främsta generaler som löd under Hitler. Berättelserna är gjorda av olika historiker och sammanställda i denna bok av den engelska militärhistorikern Correlli Douglas Barnett.
Författarna tar upp lite av generalernas bakgrund, deras militära utveckling och de viktigaste händelser som de har varit med om under Hitlers styre. En intressant bok för de som gillar historia, speciellt krigshistoria men även för alla vanliga läsare. Boken ger alla nyfikna läsare information om vilka personer det var som styrde världen under andra världskriget, varför de gjorde det och hur de tänkte. Bilden om alla dessa generaler kan te sig helt annorlunda efter att ha läst dessa berättelser.
Författarna tar upp lite av generalernas bakgrund, deras militära utveckling och de viktigaste händelser som de har varit med om under Hitlers styre. En intressant bok för de som gillar historia, speciellt krigshistoria men även för alla vanliga läsare. Boken ger alla nyfikna läsare information om vilka personer det var som styrde världen under andra världskriget, varför de gjorde det och hur de tänkte. Bilden om alla dessa generaler kan te sig helt annorlunda efter att ha läst dessa berättelser.
February 20, 2020
Far from exhaustive and comprehensive, Hitler's Generals nonetheless works as a collection of portraits in miniature of the talented military commanders Hitler had at his disposal during the duration of the Second World War. It's an excellent primer for further and deeper study for those enamored of the subject and casual readers with an interest in the history of World War II will find a lot to latch onto with this text.
December 11, 2021
While the book could easily be included in a college course, it’s a little too dull for me. Great material, clearly well researched, and very informative if you’re hoping to learn more about the inner workings of the Nazi military.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2020
A quality account of the generals and their qualities and the relationships between themselves and Hitler.
February 24, 2022
Descrição completa e perfeita de cada general e suas convicções. Uma ficha detalhada de suas origens ao fim que levaram.
March 13, 2022
Good overview of Hitler's Generals from several different authors. Many focuses on the more well know group of Generals .
June 4, 2023
Very informative and well written
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2024
Compilation of biographies as the title suggests. Some very well done, others straight up whitewashing, almost fanboying. All very interesting to read tho.
June 26, 2024
A fair amount of repetition throughout (which I suppose was inevitable, considering the format).
November 29, 2017
This book is a collection of short biographies of over 20 German generals during World War II. The book divides them into a few categories such as desk generals, innovators and the battlefront commanders. There is a good cross section of the commanders; some of the names are well known and quite a few are quite obscure. Some of the better known names include Rommel, Manstein and Guderian. Each biography is written by different authors, which maybe 2 authors doing more than one general. As a result, the writing styles vary from author to author. Each general only gets about 20 or so pages so there 19s little biographical data or detail to the various campaigns so there is not much depth given to any of them.
One of the more interesting aspects, with the different authors , one author may portray a particular general in a certain light while a different author may cast that general in a contrasting position. For example, I remember the author who covered Kluge portrayed him as quite decisive while another author, while focusing on another general who had some interactions with Kluge, said he tended to be indecisive.
One of the more interesting aspects, with the different authors , one author may portray a particular general in a certain light while a different author may cast that general in a contrasting position. For example, I remember the author who covered Kluge portrayed him as quite decisive while another author, while focusing on another general who had some interactions with Kluge, said he tended to be indecisive.
July 2, 2015
This book contains a series of biographical essays about many of Germany's leading generals and field marshals during WWII. Each essay is by a different author. The result is somewhat disjointed. While certain characteristics, such as the Prussian background of most of the generals and their widespread opposition to Hitler, frequently reappear, there is no overall evaluation of the major questions presented by their careers, which as I see it are two: (1) How did Germany's military elite and other leaders lose control of their country to an anti-Semitic street bum from Austria; and (2) when should they have rebelled against Hitler, who, after all, started out as Germany's democratically-elected leader? There also is no analysis of how Hitler's actions may have been restrained by the sometimes-questionable loyalty of his generals. On the whole, this book is a respectable but by no means outstanding part of the very lengthy literature on WWII.
July 24, 2011
From what I've read so far, nobody liked Hitler. His own people thought he was crazy, and most were involved in plots to assassinate him at some pont. I don't know if there is a good reason to continue on with this book. LOL
July 18, 2011
An excellent reference source to provide a quick overview of the German generals in World War II. It doesn't go into great depth about any particular general, but gives you enough detail to understand their backgrounds and relationships to Hitler.
June 21, 2011
Informative overview of a range of German generals.
December 3, 2013
Overall I enjoyed this book. I will say that the various essays were hit or miss. I thought some were too biased towards the protagonist.
January 25, 2017
An excellent series of essays charting the rise and fall of Hitler's most important military leaders.
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