The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich : A History of Nazi Germany(Paperback) - 2011 Edition

Because I'm sixty-two, the Third Reich was contemporary event for my parents and not yet distant enough to be in the histories that I read as a child; or, even in the seventies at the Universities I attended. We were Viet Nam and protest. It is only now that I became interested in the history immediately preceding my entry on the planet; yet, this Book was launched on the tide of History in 1960 - just fifteen years after the Reich's dissolution and destruction. In this instance, because of the thousands of tons of extant documents discovered; a heap of documentation not even remotely equaled in any time latter in any histories, this Book was fitting to be written so soon after what it documents. Now, here is the first punch of the Book: it is accurate; quoting almost everyone standing as a part of the times, yet, meticulous documentation detracts nothing from the flow of the Book. It is like reading a brilliant fiction novel; but, it's not. Now, here is the knock-out punch! Shirer inserts himself into the Book not as an omniscient author; but as an eyewitness. It is cleaver and it is something I've never witnessed. Shirer does this in a way that although you know "he's there", it never, never, interrupts the Story, nor does it detract from the factual accounting - far from it. It's nothing short of a remarkable Genius-History. He inserts himself without being intrusive or observable although "he's there." Words fail me for what an absolutely tremendous Book this is. I'm on my second lap through it; I encourage you to buy this Book; lay back in the Lazy-Boy; and, read history with flair; a history like you've never experienced. Just a Tremendous Book. Shirer is over the top! Lay-hold of a copy and read ......

A four and a half rating might be better, as I will explain. This is a very valuable account of Hitler's rise and fall. Shirer was there, saw it all, heard it all. His opinions and judgments as the period developed have been critized by some (nonscholarly, personal, one sided), but seeing first hand the awful events of the period, in my judgment, calling evil what it is can be forgiven. There are more up to date accounts that present a more balanced view, but the horror of the period cannot be denied. And Shirer's detail (he kept a diary) provides grounding and compelling information to the larger narrative. It's long, over 1,000 pages of text, but an easy read; it will keep most readers engrossed.I purchased the hardbound copy and glad I did. It is solidly made, should last my lifetime and then some. I intend to pass it on to my kids who only know the period through movies and tv.

Liked the the realism of the book. Gives an idea in to the insanity of that time in Germany and how it affected the world.

Read this while attending college in the 60's. Recent political events (2016 to present) seemed to follow some of the basic political actions/propaganda tools of the rise of Hitler so I purchased to re-read 50+ years later. The modern Democratic Party is utilizing many of those same weapons today. In particular: the big lie - lies so outrageous that many feel they "must be true"; the shaming & intimidation of opposing political supporters - refusing service in restaurants, censoring clothing items like MAGA hats, Trump 2020 t-shirts, and even more scary outright physical attacks. The promising party of my youth has become very fascist. Re-read the book and draw your own conclusions. Wake up America!

I have owned this volume since it was originlly published. It has a place of honor in my personal library. My recent purchase was a Christmas gift for an adult son who requested it. This volume, at over 1200 pages, is not for the person with a casual interest in American and World history. For the history buff, it is a fascinating tale of how a relatively small group of thugs hijacked a country and, in a few short years, 1933 to 1945, brought that country to ruin. It stands as an important cautionary tale for the United States today as it has to deal with thugocracys around the world. William Shirer was not an academic who researched ancient writings of other authors to produce his book. He was a reporter who lived in Germany after World War I and watched the events unfold from inside the country. The writing is authentic. The tale told is gripping. For the serious history buff, I can only say that it is worth the time to read every page. After you have read it, you will want to pick it up again, from time to time, to remind yourself how important it is to pay attention to what YOUR politicians are doing and to RAISE HELL when they are not truly representing the people.

This book shows how people determined to take over a country do it. The most chilling horror was reading about the educator who was worried about parents loudly complaining their children were being taught junk science and immoral morals. (Jewish math was wrong and girls could produce "Hitler Babies" without marriage at a young age)The supreme educator listened, then explained "Let them scream. Listen to their complaints. It doesn't matter because we have their children and in a few years they will be our children and all they will know is what we have told them."

The author attempts to present only the facts, from so very many people who eventually opened up with their stories from inside the Third Reich. Critically important are the notes and information from Hitler's translator. I didn't realize such a complete, detailed picture of the inner working of the "Third Reich" was possible. The author has pieced together, from every possible source, details that I never thought could be gathered and presented so completely. A must-read, and my top recommendation uniting facts and objectivity (as much as is possible with Adolf Hitler). I consider this the definitive book fulling accomplishing its title - much more than "Inside the Third Reich", as fascinating as that was when first published.

Good WW2 history book, great price

A intimate and fascinating insight read on how the Third Reich came to power. A must read of all ages.

Arrived very quickly. In excellent condition. Grandson very pleased for research material for A level History project! Thank you.

Excellent history have bought this because I wanted a folio copy as I have another hard back. well written a must for any serious reader of WWII history

A modern masterpiece