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Hitler's Master of the Dark Arts: Himmler's Black Knights and the Occult Origins of the SS
At the heart of the evil of Nazism was Hitler’s ";witch doctor,"; Heinrich Himmler, and his peculiar and deadly organization with the mundane name Schutzstaffel, literally ";protective squadron."; Undoubtedly you know them better as the feared SS, the very essence of Nazism. Their threatening double lightning bolt is perhaps the most dreaded symbol of the Third Reich. The facts of the SS’s origins are truly stranger than fiction. If you thought Raiders of the Lost Ark was an inspired Hollywood fiction, think again. Hitler's Master of the Dark Arts reveals the hidden ";truths"; of the SS in full and morbidly fascinating detail.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Bill Yenne
203 books52 followersBill Yenne is the author of several novels and over three dozen books on historical topics. He has also been a contributor to encyclopedias of both world wars.
The New Yorker wrote of Sitting Bull, his biography of the great Lakota leader, that it "excels as a study in leadership." This book was named to the number 14 spot among Amazon's 100 Best Books of the Year.
Library Journal observed that "enthusiastic World War II readers will be drawn to" his dual biography, Aces High: The Heroic Story of the Two Top Scoring American Aces of World War II.
Recently, his book Convair Deltas was named as Book of the Month by Air Classics, while his book Tommy Gun was named Pick of the Month by Shooting Illustrated.
His book Guinness: The 250 Year Quest for the Perfect Pint was listed among the top business books of the year by Cond Nast Portfolio Magazine, which rated Yenne's tome as its TOP pick for "Cocktail Conversation."
Yenne's Rising Sons: The Japanese American GIs Who Fought for the United States in World War II, was praised by Walter Boyne, former Director of the National Air & Space Museum, who called it "a fast moving... page turner," and the "best book yet written on the saga."
The Wall Street Journal wrote, when reviewing his Indian Wars: The Campaign for the American West, that Yenne writes with "cinematic vividness," and says of his work that it "has the rare quality of being both an excellent reference work and a pleasure to read."
The author lives in San Francisco, California, and on the web at www.BillYenne.com
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 29, 2016
A race of Aryan supermen rise from the icy wastelands of Thule to destroy the subhumans and rule for a thousand years. Or until the Red Army blows Berlin to bits...
History is undeniably strange. All these fantasists flocking together under the auspices of Nazism reads like Sauron building Mordor. The story of Ilsa, she wolf of the SS, is just one of the little anecdotes here that make you wonder momentarily whether the entire human race should be wiped out entirely if we're capable of such wickedness. More a potted history of the SS - the occult side of things was little more than a sidebar. I would have liked a lot more on the Irmanen and the roots of Ariosophy. A great read - just not the one I was expecting.
History is undeniably strange. All these fantasists flocking together under the auspices of Nazism reads like Sauron building Mordor. The story of Ilsa, she wolf of the SS, is just one of the little anecdotes here that make you wonder momentarily whether the entire human race should be wiped out entirely if we're capable of such wickedness. More a potted history of the SS - the occult side of things was little more than a sidebar. I would have liked a lot more on the Irmanen and the roots of Ariosophy. A great read - just not the one I was expecting.
November 5, 2011
Pretty pedestrian, prose-wise, but an entertaining book nonetheless. Probably superfluous if you've read Goodrick-Clarke, but unlike other books on the topic this one's profusely illustrated (in colour), dragging it into the realm of the well-worthwhile. As close as you're going to get to a coffee-table book on Nazi occultism.
December 5, 2024
There have been many books written about Himmler’s SS, the organization that began as Hitler’s Schutzstaffel (“protection squad”) and ended up the multi-layered behemoth most responsible for war crimes in Nazi Germany. However, Bill Yenne’s book, Hitler’s Master of the Dark Arts, has a slightly different purpose than most of these: to show the background and origins of Nazi racial philosophy and how these philosophies made the SS tick.
On the positive side, Yenne provides an exhaustive background of the philosophies of Teutonic racial superiority (dating back to the mid-19th century) and an in-depth background of the German philosophers whose belief systems included – among other things -- the embrace of pre-Christian pagan religions (hence the word “occult” in Yenne’s title) and whose philosophies young Heinrich Himmler devoured. Yenne shows how Himmler, determined to transform his belief in “Aryan” superiority into a dogma, promoted archaeological digs and anthropological studies of living Tibetans and created the “Ahnenerbe”, an organization devoted to proving Aryan superiority.
The Ahnenerbe’s sub-organizations (there were more than 50) are listed in a sidebar, which gives the reader a clear sense of how doggedly determined Himmler was to "prove" his point. Speaking of sidebars, there are many extremely informative ones scattered throughout the book and, coupled with the plethora of illustrations also included, they make Yenne’s book a visual and illuminating treat (if one can use that term when discussing the history of such an aberrant and abhorrent organization).
On the down side, however, the text is often peppered with somewhat corny suppositions. That Heinrich Himmler believed himself to be the reincarnation of Heinrich I, the first king of Germany is an interesting fact but Yenne should have let it go after stating it once. He doesn’t: he keeps bringing it up throughout the text as if he himself believes it. When discussing Himmler’s marriage, he mentions: “As Himmler might have observed, though, this was actually not his first marriage. His first wedding had occurred 1,022 years earlier in 906, when, in his previous life as Heinrich I, he had married a woman named Hatheburg, whose Saxon father was Count Edwin of Merseburg.” At the end of this sizeable paragraph, which describes the noble lineage of the Heinrich I’s bride, Yenne finally provides his reason for including this information: “Heinrich Himmler was no doubt pleased to lay claim to such a majestic and most Aryan pedigree through his belief in reincarnation.”
A paragraph with a fairly interesting dip back into Himmler’s imagined ancestry, yes, but when the justification for its inclusion rests on phrases such as “As Himmler might have observed” and “Himmler was no doubt pleased” the reader can see that Yenne is no longer stating facts.
These types of suppositions are located more in the first half of the book, however, and the writing, while occasionally clumsy throughout, also contains some solid information. In spite of the book's flaws, “Hitler’s Master of the Dark Arts” manages to clearly illustrate the philosophies of the little man behind the pince-nez who orchestrated the Holocaust and his cadre of Black Knights who carried it out.
On the positive side, Yenne provides an exhaustive background of the philosophies of Teutonic racial superiority (dating back to the mid-19th century) and an in-depth background of the German philosophers whose belief systems included – among other things -- the embrace of pre-Christian pagan religions (hence the word “occult” in Yenne’s title) and whose philosophies young Heinrich Himmler devoured. Yenne shows how Himmler, determined to transform his belief in “Aryan” superiority into a dogma, promoted archaeological digs and anthropological studies of living Tibetans and created the “Ahnenerbe”, an organization devoted to proving Aryan superiority.
The Ahnenerbe’s sub-organizations (there were more than 50) are listed in a sidebar, which gives the reader a clear sense of how doggedly determined Himmler was to "prove" his point. Speaking of sidebars, there are many extremely informative ones scattered throughout the book and, coupled with the plethora of illustrations also included, they make Yenne’s book a visual and illuminating treat (if one can use that term when discussing the history of such an aberrant and abhorrent organization).
On the down side, however, the text is often peppered with somewhat corny suppositions. That Heinrich Himmler believed himself to be the reincarnation of Heinrich I, the first king of Germany is an interesting fact but Yenne should have let it go after stating it once. He doesn’t: he keeps bringing it up throughout the text as if he himself believes it. When discussing Himmler’s marriage, he mentions: “As Himmler might have observed, though, this was actually not his first marriage. His first wedding had occurred 1,022 years earlier in 906, when, in his previous life as Heinrich I, he had married a woman named Hatheburg, whose Saxon father was Count Edwin of Merseburg.” At the end of this sizeable paragraph, which describes the noble lineage of the Heinrich I’s bride, Yenne finally provides his reason for including this information: “Heinrich Himmler was no doubt pleased to lay claim to such a majestic and most Aryan pedigree through his belief in reincarnation.”
A paragraph with a fairly interesting dip back into Himmler’s imagined ancestry, yes, but when the justification for its inclusion rests on phrases such as “As Himmler might have observed” and “Himmler was no doubt pleased” the reader can see that Yenne is no longer stating facts.
These types of suppositions are located more in the first half of the book, however, and the writing, while occasionally clumsy throughout, also contains some solid information. In spite of the book's flaws, “Hitler’s Master of the Dark Arts” manages to clearly illustrate the philosophies of the little man behind the pince-nez who orchestrated the Holocaust and his cadre of Black Knights who carried it out.
March 19, 2017
This was a book that was so strange that I haven't been able to get it out of my mind since I read it a month or two ago. I read this in order to get some background on WWII before I read Fatherland and other alternative history books where Hitler won. I enjoyed it. However, I have only read a handful of books about WWII and so I cannot justly compare how accurate the facts presented are.
I suppose a book about history is to have a rather impassive voice, but Yenne makes it perfectly clear that He. Hates. Nazis. At one point he describes them as "slithering underground." Now, I understand that this could tick off historians, but REALLY -- these are effing NAZIS he's talking about. If any group of people deserve to have a few names lobbed at them, it's the Nazis. Personally, I liked hearing Yenne's POV.
Yenne also has some really bizarre Nazi memorabilia photographed here in the book. Just when I thought the Nazis couldn't get any lower or creepier -- they did. Vampires and werewolves and zombies got nuthin' on Nazis for the sheer horror they created and still create today.
I suppose a book about history is to have a rather impassive voice, but Yenne makes it perfectly clear that He. Hates. Nazis. At one point he describes them as "slithering underground." Now, I understand that this could tick off historians, but REALLY -- these are effing NAZIS he's talking about. If any group of people deserve to have a few names lobbed at them, it's the Nazis. Personally, I liked hearing Yenne's POV.
Yenne also has some really bizarre Nazi memorabilia photographed here in the book. Just when I thought the Nazis couldn't get any lower or creepier -- they did. Vampires and werewolves and zombies got nuthin' on Nazis for the sheer horror they created and still create today.
March 31, 2013
This book was truly a fascinating read. Terrifying, yes, but informative and, dare I say, entertaining. My interest in WWII is fairly recent, and therefore, I have been slowly perusing through books and documentaries pertaining to it. Sadly, my knowledge of the War prior to my recent interest was very limited, and therefore, each book I read and each documentary I watch brings new information to me. Believe me, this period of time in the world's history is dark and profoundly sad, but at the same time, it is fascinating to learn how such an advanced nation as Germany was in the 30s could be hypnotized by one man's perverted beliefs. In some ways, I feel that history may be repeating itself in today's world.
June 8, 2016
Nice illustrations and background on ideals of the SS and Nazi party.
April 15, 2025
A fascinating book on a subject that is not routinely taught in school, or even university, history lessons. I learned a lot of new information, not least of which was the fact that so many nations had their citizens fight on the side of the Nazis, especially Central Asian units. I can tell you THAT was not covered in my history class in Ukraine. I knew most of the information about the concentration camps, but not some of the science, or pseudoscience, as may be, behind it. A very interesting read.
August 5, 2021
A indepth and non titillating examination of Nazi theology and the beliefs that underpinned the formation of the SS.
Thats it! Really my title says it all. Sorry got to go..No really I have to go....ok im going now
Thats it! Really my title says it all. Sorry got to go..No really I have to go....ok im going now
November 2, 2022
Incredibly detailed and well-researched, but could have used a good editing round for frankly embarrassing spelling errors ('Aushwitz', confusing Rudolf Hess with Rudolf Höss, to name but two), clarity and repetition. As interesting as this book was, I think it could have been a lot more concise.
July 28, 2018
A hurried run through the SS.
January 21, 2022
Entertaining book to read!
December 2, 2022
Good insight into the religious part behind the Nazi ideas
April 30, 2025
Decent book about Himmler and the SS. There is plenty of pictures and it kept my interest.
November 26, 2011
“Hitler's Master of the Dark Arts: Himmler's Black Knights and the Occult Origins of the SS” by Bill Yenne. Mr. Yenne takes a well-known subject, the SS, and examines it through an unusual point of view. Instead of just looking at the organizational structure and providing a time line of it’s history he digs into the historical background it through the scope of paganism showing the background and origins of Nazi racial philosophy and how these philosophies became the motivating force of the SS .
Mr. Yenne explores the roots of Himmler's racial philosophies as he developed the SS in the book’s first half. The activities of the SS during World War II and the occupation of Europe by the Nazis files the book’s second half.
The reading was enjoyably, those sometimes it was repetitive. An example is Heinrich Himmler believing himself the reincarnation of Heinrich I, the first king of Germany. Mr. Yenne dwelt too long on this subject. Stating it once would have been enough.
Mr. Yenne’ research of the subject shows. The book is full of interesting sidebars and visuals. The quality of the book, presentation, and photographs are spectacular. Once again Zenith press shows why they are at the top of the list of publishers of military history books.
“Hitler’s Master of the Dark Arts” communicates the philosophies of Himmler. It drives home the point he was the man who coordinated the Holocaust. His SS carried it out.
Mr. Yenne successfully tackled the subject from a controversial point of view. He made his point. Any serious student of World War II and the SS will benefit from reading the book. The book helps in gaining a better understanding of the SS and Himmler.
Mr. Yenne explores the roots of Himmler's racial philosophies as he developed the SS in the book’s first half. The activities of the SS during World War II and the occupation of Europe by the Nazis files the book’s second half.
The reading was enjoyably, those sometimes it was repetitive. An example is Heinrich Himmler believing himself the reincarnation of Heinrich I, the first king of Germany. Mr. Yenne dwelt too long on this subject. Stating it once would have been enough.
Mr. Yenne’ research of the subject shows. The book is full of interesting sidebars and visuals. The quality of the book, presentation, and photographs are spectacular. Once again Zenith press shows why they are at the top of the list of publishers of military history books.
“Hitler’s Master of the Dark Arts” communicates the philosophies of Himmler. It drives home the point he was the man who coordinated the Holocaust. His SS carried it out.
Mr. Yenne successfully tackled the subject from a controversial point of view. He made his point. Any serious student of World War II and the SS will benefit from reading the book. The book helps in gaining a better understanding of the SS and Himmler.
November 21, 2011
Para aqueles momentos de sobrecarga cognitiva não há como umas leituras sobre os aspectos mais insanos do regime de sanidade duvidosa que marcou indelevelmente a história europeia do século XX. Mas, apesar do título prometedor, este não é um livro que mergulha nas alucinações lendárias associadas ao lado mais esotérico do nazismo, a par com as especulações fantasistas delusionais de armas secretas, discos voadores e bombas nucleares. Antes, é um retrato de um oportunista apaixonado por uma amálgama de ideias esotéricas de carácter pouco são centradas na superioridade de uma idealista antiga raça germânica. Com base em ideários dúbios, Himmler tentou criar nas SS um culto de poder que, embora bem disfarçado com adereços e rituais temíveis, não passava de justificações para uma vontade de protagonismo e sede de poder absoluto. E todos sabemos no que resultou. Caos, morte e destruição.
October 30, 2015
I guess I was hoping for a book to bridge the two great volumes by the late N. Goodrick-Clarke, "The Occult Roots of Nazism", which describes Ariosophy of the late 19th and early 20th century, and "Black Sun", which describes post-war esoteric Nazism. Unfortunately, this book is riddled with factual errors, has a number of editing problems ('Aushwitz' (sic) misspelled more than once, for example) and lacks footnotes. Still, there are a few interesting portions, especially regarding the Ahnenerbe. It could have been a great book, though.
November 19, 2012
It was okay; It's not so much that I disliked it as that I just got bored. Too much detailed biography, too little "bigger picture." It may get into the rituals and mythology more later, but Himmler was a nasty little weasel and I got tired of him. Give it a try if you're interested in detailed biography, it is well-written.
January 26, 2012
This book was decent. I wish it had been written in a more linear pattern. The author was all over the place at times and tended to focus more on the history of World War II rather than the subject of the book.
December 7, 2010
It pulled together some things I've seen in other places, but I still managed to learn some bits. The focus was indeed on the arcane aspects of the SS.
June 27, 2011
Didn't find much new or interesting information in this book. If you are new to the topic though I am sure interested readers will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews