Overview

From the author of Hitler: Ascent, 1889-1939--a riveting account of the dictator's final years, when he got the war he wanted but his leadership led to catastrophe for his nation, the world, and himself. In the summer of 1939 Hitler was at the zenith of his power. The Nazis had consolidated political control in Germany and a series of foreign-policy coups had restored Germany to the status of a major world power. He now embarked on realizing his lifelong ambition: to provide the German people with the resources they needed to flourish and to exterminate those who stood in the way. Yet despite a series of stunning initial triumphs, Hitler's decision to invade the Soviet Union in 1941 turned the tide for good. Now, Volker Ullrich offers fascinating new insight into Hitler's character and personality, vividly portraying the insecurity, obsession with minutiae, and narcissistic penchant for gambling that led Hitler to overrule his subordinates and then blame them for his failures; and, ultimately, when he realized the war was not winnable, to embark on the annihilation of Germany itself in order to punish the people who he believed had failed to hand him victory. This is a masterful account of a spectacular downfall, and an essential addition to our understanding of Hitler and the Second World War.

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9781665174473

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Reviews

A testament to what a great historian can do with original research and brilliant synthesis on even the most-trodden terrain. This second volume, translated to English by Jefferson Chase, explains how the seeds of Hitler's downfall sprung from the very same qualities (obsession, fanaticism, deceit, refusal to listen to others) that helped him rise to power. -- Time An endlessly revealing look at the Nazi regime that touches on large issues and small details alike. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Magisterial. -- Library Journal Meticulous... Smoothly written and splendidly translated, Ullrich's book gives us a Hitler we have not seen before. -- Sunday Times (London)

Author Information

Volker Ullrich is a historian and journalist whose books in German include biographies of Bismarck and Napoleon, as well as a major study of Imperial Germany, Die nervose Grossmacht 1871-1918 (The Nervous Empire). From 1990 to 2009, Ullrich was the editor of the political book review section of the influential weekly newspaper Die Zeit. He lives in Germany. Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award-winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.

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