5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Short, Concise, Informative, February 9, 2003
This review is from: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler (Paperback)
William Shirer, perhaps most famous for his comprehensive history, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, or his live radio broadcasts from Berlin during the early days of World War II, has also written a thin little book titled, The Rise and Fall of Adlof Hitler. Although the work is geared towards a younger audience, the quality of writing, and information contained are quality fare for an older audience as well.
Shirer, begins his work with a young disgruntled Hitler, arguing with his father over his chosen profession, that of an artist. Shirer then chronicles Hitler's days as a vagabond, moving from one odd job to another across Austria and Germany. In these early years, we see Hitler not as a maniacal demagogue, but as an eccentric wanderer, searching for nothing in particular. However, World War I brought the demagogue forth.
After serving for four years in the Germany military, Hitler, disgruntled with the Treaty of Versailles and the weakness of the German nation decides to enter into political life. It is in a small beer hall that Hitler creates the new found Nazi party and enlists the help of such infamous men as Goering, Himmler, and Hess. Do to Hitler's exceptional charisma, the Nazi party begins to grow.
Following the now infamous "Beer Hall Putsch," Hitler is imprisoned and begins work on his seminal book, Mein Kampf. Following his release, the book sells millions of copies and Hitler is thrust upon the national stage. From here, Shirer illustrates Hitler's rise of Chancellor, and ultimately dictator of Germany. He discusses the serious of invasions and coups conducted under Hitler throughout Europe and subsequent intervention of the Allied Powers.
Finally, Shirer chronicles the decline of Hitler, and his subsequent decent in to madness. His paranoia, greed, and ultimate refusal of accept anything other than total victory led to not only the demise of Adlof Hitler, but also to the German nation.
Shirer did an excellent job chronicling the life of Adlof Hitler in a short and concise book. This would severe as an excellent text for a high school history course, or for any reader who wants to learn more about Hitler, but has very little time
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good for Young Readers, August 9, 2008
U.S. journalist-author William L. Shirer was a newsman in Nazi Germany for six years (1934-40) who later wrote superb books on the subject. Here he aims for a young audience, outlining the rise and fall of one of history's worst villians. Young readers see how Hitler rose from nothing, the brutal war he launched, and the incredible cruelty and mass killings that marked his reign. There's even a look at his last days in the bunker, screeching paranoia about being betrayed as the Russians closed in. The book is readable and well-crafted, but never quite captures Nazism as did his superb adult efforts - BERLIN DIARY, RISE AND FALL OF THIRD REICH, NIGHTMARE YEARS. Still this is a good pick for young readers with an interest in history.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent Introduction for Kids to History, and Evil, February 20, 2003
This review is from: The Rise and Fall of Adolf Hitler (Paperback)
I read this little book when I was in fourth or fifth grade, was knocked out, and have been hooked on history ever since. Shirer condenses his massive "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" for younger readers. It's a gripping introduction to a subject you could spend your whole reading life exploring. It has the "fascination of abomination"; a first, cautionary introduction for kids to the scary things that happen in the adult world. If you want your children to grow up to be interested in politics, history, law, etc., this is a good book to give them.
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