Ian Kershaw's two volume biography, Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris and Hitler 1936-1945: Nemesis, was greeted with universal acclaim as the essential work on one of the most malign figures in history, from his earliest origins to the final days of the Second World War.
Now this landmark historical work is available in one single, abridged edition, tracing the story of how a bitter, failed art student from an obscure corner of Austria rose to unparalleled power, destroying the lives of millions and bringing the world to the brink of Armageddon.
Review: Ian Kershaw had written previously a two volume biography of the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. This book is a combined and abridged volume of these two books.
It describes his early years and somewhat bohemian life in Austria, before moving to Germany. At the outbreak of the First World War, he joined the German Army and served on the Western Front. It was during this time, and its aftermath, that his political views started to take shape. Disillusioned and embittered by Germany’s capitulation and the measures imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, back in Munich he became involved in right wing politics. Having been imprisoned following a failed coup, on his release, he pursued a more orthodox approach to gaining power for himself and his National Socialist, or Nazi, Party. Eventually, as the party gained more seats in the government, he was appointed Chancellor of Germany in 1933. By suppressing opposition, he became effectively a dictator and was able to pursue his policy of expanding German territory eastwards. This led to the outbreak of the Second World War. The book describes how this unfolded, leading eventually to his demise as the Soviet Union’s Army overran Berlin.
As a combination of two books, this is quite a long read or listen (I listened to the audiobook). However, it is a very detailed account of Hitler’s life; his rise to power; how he was able to conquer large areas of Europe through a mixture of gambling, bluffing and bullying; and how his armies were eventually driven back and defeated. It also describes the various individuals who were instrumental in his life. It is a salutary lesson in how a leadership cult can develop. As a very comprehensive biography of one of the most infamous individuals of the 20th century, I recommend this book.
