Reading the 20th Century discussion

I'm underway with the 1030 page behemoth that is....


Hitler (2009) by Ian Kershaw

It's fascinating. I've not read a biography of Hitler for many a year and, whilst no expert, cannot imagine anyone else has produced such a compelling and scholarly account.

Ian Kershaw explains that this is a slightly abridged version of two earlier books (Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris and Hitler 1936-1945: Nemesis), minus the numerous and lengthy annotations. It's certainly very readable and feels extremely even handed.

With skill and vividness, and drawing on a wide range of sources, Ian Kershaw has recreated the world which first thwarted and then nurtured the young Hitler.

Reading Hitler (2009) by Ian Kershaw has got me wondering about other biographies of Hitler.

Which would you recommend?

Which would you not recommend?

Which do you want to read, or have heard good things about?

Hitler (2009) by Ian Kershaw is going to take me ages


I'm on page 153 of this 1030 page behemoth. It remains riveting.

I highly recommend it.

I read the two volume version of this, when it came out, Nigeyb and found it fascinating. I would like to read: Hitler: A Biography

As well as the following, by the same author:

Heinrich Himmler

Goebbels

There is also a new biography in two volumes. The first is:

Hitler: Ascent 1889-1939 which looks good.

Thanks Susan - I'll investigate those suggestions

Nigeyb wrote: "Hitler (2009) by Ian Kershaw is going to take me ages"


I'm just over halfway now

What a behemoth

That said, I am gripped. It's absolutely fascinating and well worth reading.

I've just finished the 1030 page behemoth that is....


Hitler (2009) by Ian Kershaw

What emerges is a paranoid, boring, deluded individual with no empathy or compassion, and an never ending reservoir of hatred for Jews and Bolshoviks who he blamed for all the world's ills. That he achieved so much is something we would all do well to study and understand.

Here’s my review

5/5

When I read this, I had a similar reaction to the two volume biography I read about Elvis. Did this person deserve such a long biography, when, personally, they were so dull...

True, although whilst a dull individual it was an extraordinary life. I also really appreciated how it doubled as a good overview of the era too, especially WW2.

Yes, as with the Elvis biography. An extraordinary life, but not such an extraordinary person. As you say, Hitler himself came across as a very uninteresting man, personally. I was amused, when I read it, by the way he took everyone for endless teas and just ranted for hours, while his 'guests' - many of whom tried to escape - struggled to stay awake...

Yes, it was a remarkable and unique set of circumstances which allowed Hitler to assume complete control of Germany, and certainly not the "triumph of the will" in which he so fevently believed. He was also incredibly lucky. For example, avoiding two assassination attempts by a whisker. This all fuelled his hubristic self belief which was also a big part of his downfall.

I have just started Goebbels by Peter Longerich

This is a LONG book, but, right from the beginning there is the sense of learning something new, which I love. I have always accepted the idea that Goebbels planned to kill himself, his wife, and children, at the end of the war. The suggestion, in the prologue, is that he tried other options first, with no success.

I have never read a biography of Goebbels before, so will be interested to have this as my 'long' read.

I am really enjoying the biography of Goebbels by Peter Longerich. Very impressed with the level of of scholarship and detail and fascinating to hear from Goebbels own diaries. I am a great lover of reading diaries generally. What is most interesting to me at the early stage of Goebbels political career is how he really wanted a more Socialist slant to the 'National Socialist' banner, yet overlooks Hitler's constant stringing him along and obviously differing views. Is the leader more important than the message? Seems so.

Goebbels: A Biography sounds well worth a read - thank you Susan