Canaris: The Life and Death of Hitler's Spymaster

by Michael Mueller

Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was the head of the Abwehr--Hitler's intelligence service--from 1935 to 1944. Initially a supporter of Hitler, Canaris came to vigorously oppose his policies and practices and worked secretly throughout the war to overthrow the regime. Near the end of the war, secret documents were discovered that implicated Canaris and hinted at the extent of the activities conducted by Canaris's Abwehr against the Hitler regime, and in 1945 Canaris was executed as a national traitor. But Canaris left little in the way of personal documents, and to this day he remains a figure shrouded in mystery.
Drawing on newly available archival materials, Mueller investigates the double life of this legendary and enigmatic figure in the first major biography of Canaris to be published in German.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, World War II

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Reza Amiri Praramadhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like a spy story, the life of Admiral Wilhelm Canaris was much shrouded in mystery. From a submarine captain, Canaris landed a job in German intelligence. Undeniably helped the rise of Nazi, Canaris ultimately became disillusioned by them and joined the resistance against Hitler. His intelligence department, the Abwehr, became a place for subterfuge both for and against Nazis’ activities. Unfortunately, misfortunes here and there stopped Canaris and his accomplices in their track, mainly their reluctance to act during Nazi’s earliest years before it grew stronger. When they decided to get serious, it was too late.

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biography of Germany's WWII military intelligence chief. Mueller centers his biography of Canaris on his involvement in the anti-Nazi and anti-Hitler resistance. It is astounding to me that Canaris lasted in such a sensitive position for as long as he did. However, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more discussion on Canaris as spy chief. Some intelligence operations are mentioned in passing, but few details are given. The exception is Operation Felix, the plan to capture Gibraltar, but that had much to do with politics.

[Mary Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book. A little more about the man him self would have been good.

An interesting book. More about the man himself would have been. And more about the trial would have made the book more interesting.