Rise and Fall of the Third Reich- a Review

The Rise & Fall of The Third Reich is a voluminous showcase of history during the Second World War. As the title suggests, it deals with Nazi Germany & more specifically Adolf Hitler & his brand of the Superior ’’Aryan’’ race. The book starts of with the birth of Hitler, his childhood & his brand of ideals. The pace is very meticulous & credit must go to the writer to script Hitler’s childhood. The pace slowly quickens as Hitler moves to Austria.

Over 1400 pages of tightly spaced print and more footnotes than you can shake a stick at. However, it is an immensely rewarding read as Shirer presents the facts and tells the Reich's various stories in a very readable way. At certain points the reading can become heavy, especially when the author takes time out of the main timeline to explain side lines of interest, such as the almost amusing German plot to force the abdicated former King of England to speak well of the Reich during the war. By and large, though, the irrepressible rise of Adolf Hitler is impeccably documented, with much useful comment on the part of the author, always backed up with reference.

Through Hitler’s rise to the pinnacle of power, we are made aware of the Europe in those times & how all diplomacy was to be of no anvil. The normal activities of Germans & the life for them in those days was quite an eye opener. It still amazes me as to how the Germans could not have seen through the facade of Hitler Large doses of Mein Kampf also are scattered through out the book.

One highlight that needs mention is the writer’s analysis of how Hitler did exactly what he said he would do in Mein Kampf!!! The war started by Hitler by invading Austria Poland Finland & his close association with the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini is an amazing lesson on how the obvious can be missed!!!

The Final pages of the book talk about how Hitler refused his troops to retreat, Inspite of them losing the battle against USSR. It gives an insight into the man’s thinking & those of his people around him. The writer has very crisply created the fall of Berlin & the race for the Allies & the Russians to capture Hitler.

Important events such as the month leading up to September 1st, 1939, or the failed assassination attempt of July 1944 on Hitler are meticulously scrutinized, with almost every Last Avenue of possibility discussed. Shirer's closeness to unfolding happenings and his ability to make so many diverse personalities shine through the seemingly endless pages of detail mean that this book is a treat for anyone interested in learning more about the Third Reich.

I would like to mention here that if a person who wanted to know of the World War II in its true form, this book would exceed the expectations. To all those who want to know more of the Third Reich, this book is a must read. As mentioned right at the beginning, this is a heavy book & certain pages will really turn your stomach upside down.