Customer Reviews

Hitler: legend, myth & reality

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Though Maser's treatment of Hitler is not as readable, fluid or as definitive as American John Toland's 1977 biography, this is the second-best biography written about Hitler.

Maser's historical credibility was compromised in 1977 by his announcement that he had discovered Hitler's "son," Jean Lorret, the result, supposedly, of Hitler's relationship with a Belgian peasant girl in World War I. The original German-language edition of this book carries that story, with photos of Hitler's alleged paramour.

This book is not good for novices, and it would help if there was a backlog of knowledge about Hitler prior to tackling Maser's prose. But for those who are well-versed in Hitler, this is an excellent book.

This book's only shortcoming is that it isn't as clearly mapped out as the others, but what it lacks in organization of facts it more than makes up for in detail. I praise this author above all of Hitler's other biographers, because he was the LEAST-BIASED. He also digs deeper than most others were willing or able to. His statements were based on fact.
1.) Maser gives a thorough list of the key dates in Hitler's life, including the battles he took part in.
2.) He compares Hitler with Napoleon (very insightful!)
3.) He is one of the few to admit Hitler's enormous talent both as an artist and as a human being.
4.) Maser doesn't tend to demonize Hitler as readily as other authors did and still do.
5.) Maser reaveals some fascinating facts surrounding "Hitler's son"

The list goes on...
It is such a shame that this book is so hard to find in the States. A tip for all literate in German, try to get ahold of the updated German version of this book. You won't be disappointed.