Rise & Fall of the Third Reich, a History of Nazi Germany 3rd

Because I'm sixty-two, the Third Reich was contemporary event for my parents and not yet distant enough to be in the histories that I read as a child; or, even in the seventies at the Universities I attended. We were Viet Nam and protest. It is only now that I became interested in the history immediately preceding my entry on the planet; yet, this Book was launched on the tide of History in 1960 - just fifteen years after the Reich's dissolution and destruction. In this instance, because of the thousands of tons of extant documents discovered; a heap of documentation not even remotely equaled in any time latter in any histories, this Book was fitting to be written so soon after what it documents. Now, here is the first punch of the Book: it is accurate; quoting almost everyone standing as a part of the times, yet, meticulous documentation detracts nothing from the flow of the Book. It is like reading a brilliant fiction novel; but, it's not. Now, here is the knock-out punch! Shirer inserts himself into the Book not as an omniscient author; but as an eyewitness. It is cleaver and it is something I've never witnessed. Shirer does this in a way that although you know "he's there", it never, never, interrupts the Story, nor does it detract from the factual accounting - far from it. It's nothing short of a remarkable Genius-History. He inserts himself without being intrusive or observable although "he's there." Words fail me for what an absolutely tremendous Book this is. I'm on my second lap through it; I encourage you to buy this Book; lay back in the Lazy-Boy; and, read history with flair; a history like you've never experienced. Just a Tremendous Book. Shirer is over the top! Lay-hold of a copy and read ......

I have owned this volume since it was originlly published. It has a place of honor in my personal library. My recent purchase was a Christmas gift for an adult son who requested it. This volume, at over 1200 pages, is not for the person with a casual interest in American and World history. For the history buff, it is a fascinating tale of how a relatively small group of thugs hijacked a country and, in a few short years, 1933 to 1945, brought that country to ruin. It stands as an important cautionary tale for the United States today as it has to deal with thugocracys around the world. William Shirer was not an academic who researched ancient writings of other authors to produce his book. He was a reporter who lived in Germany after World War I and watched the events unfold from inside the country. The writing is authentic. The tale told is gripping. For the serious history buff, I can only say that it is worth the time to read every page. After you have read it, you will want to pick it up again, from time to time, to remind yourself how important it is to pay attention to what YOUR politicians are doing and to RAISE HELL when they are not truly representing the people.

Since we all were not there this book let's you see how it was to be there.

I first read this almost 65 years ago as a high school student. I felt the need to revisit it in light of our current political climate in the US. The parallels are beyond frightening except Der Fuhrer was far more intelligent than the current occupant of The Oval Office.

A four and a half rating might be better, as I will explain. This is a very valuable account of Hitler's rise and fall. Shirer was there, saw it all, heard it all. His opinions and judgments as the period developed have been critized by some (nonscholarly, personal, one sided), but seeing first hand the awful events of the period, in my judgment, calling evil what it is can be forgiven. There are more up to date accounts that present a more balanced view, but the horror of the period cannot be denied. And Shirer's detail (he kept a diary) provides grounding and compelling information to the larger narrative. It's long, over 1,000 pages of text, but an easy read; it will keep most readers engrossed. I purchased the hardbound copy and glad I did. It is solidly made, should last my lifetime and then some. I intend to pass it on to my kids who only know the period through movies and tv.

Well written documented first hand history by an observer

Excellent historical piece on the Nazis, and uncomfortably familiar with what is now happening with Donald Trump

I first read this back in high school, but I am glad I got another copy. It is still the best one-volume history of that period. It is the kind of book worth rereading every two decades: with more life experience, one can see deeper into how it all happened. It shows useful parallels to our own time, as a timeless history should.

A intimate and fascinating insight read on how the Third Reich came to power. A must read of all ages.

Excellent history have bought this because I wanted a folio copy as I have another hard back. well written a must for any serious reader of WWII history

Good WW2 history book, great price

A modern masterpiece

Good condition, well packaged. Arrived 3-5 days late based on estimated delivery at time of purchase.