Customer Reviews

Adolf Hitler: His Family, Childhood, and Youth

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the definitive English-language version of Hitler's early years. It's not as well-written or as interesting as Franz Jetzinger's German-language book on AH's early manhood, but this is good. The book was published in 1966 and is, unfortunately, dated. There has been significant additional material unearthed since the 60's. Another problem is that there are no photos in the book. It would have helped the overall impression had they included photos of Braunau, Leonding and especially, Linz, the Fuehrer's favorite city and regarded as his "hometown."

Smith doesn't write especially well, but his research is dilligent and reliable. Don't expect any fireworks in the style department, but you can be assured of a solid, quality reading experience.

Only the book THE YOUNG HITLER I KNEW by August Kubizek, who was his friend in Vienna from 1914 to 1917 is better, because the author actually knew him. This book, though, is a bit better because it really goes into his early life and hid family more than Herr Kubizek's book. Obviously, the author did some world-class investigating, because I have personally confirmed some items in the book. It is a first class read, is very easy to read, and a very good book.