Like many of you, I have a special interest in reading not only history, but especially biographies of Key personalities who played a transformative role. Though only a casual reader and not a serious student of history as many reviewers here, I wanted to understand how one man could seize the imagination of a nation and then transform it from a decimated state after WW I to an almost unstoppable juggernaut militarily and economically, and in a relatively short time. While the name Hitler evokes immediate feelings of hate and disgust like perhaps no other personage in modern history, I was piqued by revelations in other accounts, like a biography of FDR, where, when he took office, many prominent and respected circles in the U.S. believed that FDR might do well to adopt dictatorial powers with Hitler as a model, hoping for similar transformations in the economy and unemployment that occurred in the mid 1930's in Germany. I initially began reading The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, but somehow didn't find it compelling so after reading reviews, decided to sample John Toland's work. Writing style and appeal is, of course, subjective, but I found this book to be completely compelling and found it difficult to put down. Describing itself as , "The Definitive Biography", is not hubris or overstatement. Though vilified, and rightfully so, Hitler's evolution is detailed fairly and authoritatively. You see him as an idealistic man who, only wanted to become an artist and who lived a bohemian lifestyle as a young man. His work was evidently good enough to find limited sales success, though he resorted to offering his paintings from door to door and at taverns. He was rejected from the Art Academy 3 separate times and told he had no talent. He lived in boarding houses often just subsisting. Curiously, he seemed to be respectful and moderate in his habits, later becoming a vegetarian. He eschewed amoral behavior with the opposite sex and if anything was awkward in attempts to broach even introductions to a few that caught his eye. Puzzlingly, you see his fervent thanks and appreciation to the Jewish doctor who treated his mother as she suffered from cancer, and early close friendships with Jewish heritage. Toland's writing style is fluid, easily absorbed, and fair. You see a young, idealistic boy trying to find himself and his place in the world, who is decorated as a war hero for fearless bravery and an uncanny knack for survival in brutal battles in WW I, who is blinded by poison gas and the emotional shock at hearing of Germany's surrender. A turning point seems to be when he is discovers his innate ability as a public speaker. Repeatedly, he gives the impression of being reserved, awkward and ordinary, until he starts to speak and orate. Audiences large and small seemed to be transfixed and the word "magic" was used more than once, as he transformed even hostile audiences into cheering followers after a single speech or even opening of a speech. I was also struck by the parallels of similar events recently as Putin seems to have taken a page out of Hitler's handbook during his maneuvers in the Ukraine, as Hitler did with first Austria, then Czechoslovakia, then Poland.
As a casual reader with huge gaps in my understanding of especially that era, I found this book a tremendous resource, authoritative but unpretentious, personal, fair and unbiased in the portrayal of Hitler's life, development and eventual megalomania and barbarism that changed the course of history as perhaps no other individual in modern times. Highly recommended. So impressed that I just downloaded John Toland's other stellar work, Rising Sun, which won a Pulitzer Prize.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: Adolf Hitler: The Definitive Biography
$32.00
In Stock
+
$12.59
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Popular titles by this author
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- The Last 100 Days: The Tumultuous and Controversial Story of the Final Days of World War II in Europe (Modern Library War)PaperbackOnly 8 left in stock - order soon.
- Adolf Hitler Volume I & Volume II (complete set)TOLAND JOHNHardcoverFREE Shipping by AmazonOnly 1 left in stock - order soon.
Top reviews from other countries
SaratogaCV3
Neuer Blickwinkel und historische Fülle
Reviewed in Germany on July 14, 2024dr vijendra kumar
Written in a very simple way. cover all about hitler
Reviewed in India on February 13, 2024
