davehershey's review against another edition
5.0
If you are a student of history, or merely want to learn more about how tyrants come to power, this is a book you need to read. That said, it is long and INCREDIBLY detailed. Shirer was using loads of captured Nazi papers so there are times when he can tell the story nearly minute by minute, including journal entries, memos and messages being sent and recorded by top Nazi leaders. Yet I have to admit that as I read, the detail started to wear on me. By the time I got to the beginning of WWII, around the Nazi invasion of Poland, I began skimming.
The best parts of this book are the rise and the very end of the fall. Reading the story of Hitler as a youth, his beginnings, time in prison and rise to power was fascinating and eye-opening. When you see how Hitler came to power legally and once in power he ended free elections and took over all media so it became mere Nazi propaganda is chilling. We live in a world, in America today, of arms of media that often sound like propaganda (on both sides), with the president coming to popularity by decrying fake news, and people questioning the validity of elections with the myth of millions of illegals voting. Am I saying tyranny will result? No. But if the story of Hitler teaches us one thing, it is that tyranny is never too far away.
When I got to the chapter on the Nazi new world order, I began reading closely again. This chapter documents some of the horrors of the Nazi regime, from the Holocaust to war crimes and more. I've been to the Holocaust museum in DC and learned about the Holocaust a lot, but it is the sort of thing we must never forget. Especially as the years pass and memories fade, we must constantly remind ourselves of the evil capabilities of humanity.
Finally, I was struck by how most Germans just kind of went along with Hitler. There were plots to assassinate him from time to time, but few became very serious. He faced opposition, but most went along because they loved their country and he promised to bring it back to greatness. Again, is this possibility ever that remote? I just heard on the radio yesterday a guy talking about the Confederacy during the Civil War and how most who fought for it were just defending their state; they didn't think about slavery or other big issues. They just were loyal. Loyalty is not a bad thing, but it is also not something to justify much, let alone evil. I am not saying I'd do much better, for our culture and community greatly influence us: I assume and fear if I had been living in Georgia in 1860 or Germany in 1935 I may have gone along with the flow. I'll never know. That said, as I lament the lack of courage from those in our history, I pray we have courage in the future to not just go along with tyrants who have a message we like to hear.
I also want to add, if you have never read a history of WWII, you may want to read a general one before you read this. Or at least, dig out your notes from high school or college. This book focuses on the Nazis, so we only hear about Japan and the US and other events of the war as it pertains to the Nazis. Basically, you need a knowledge of the war to follow along.
The best parts of this book are the rise and the very end of the fall. Reading the story of Hitler as a youth, his beginnings, time in prison and rise to power was fascinating and eye-opening. When you see how Hitler came to power legally and once in power he ended free elections and took over all media so it became mere Nazi propaganda is chilling. We live in a world, in America today, of arms of media that often sound like propaganda (on both sides), with the president coming to popularity by decrying fake news, and people questioning the validity of elections with the myth of millions of illegals voting. Am I saying tyranny will result? No. But if the story of Hitler teaches us one thing, it is that tyranny is never too far away.
When I got to the chapter on the Nazi new world order, I began reading closely again. This chapter documents some of the horrors of the Nazi regime, from the Holocaust to war crimes and more. I've been to the Holocaust museum in DC and learned about the Holocaust a lot, but it is the sort of thing we must never forget. Especially as the years pass and memories fade, we must constantly remind ourselves of the evil capabilities of humanity.
Finally, I was struck by how most Germans just kind of went along with Hitler. There were plots to assassinate him from time to time, but few became very serious. He faced opposition, but most went along because they loved their country and he promised to bring it back to greatness. Again, is this possibility ever that remote? I just heard on the radio yesterday a guy talking about the Confederacy during the Civil War and how most who fought for it were just defending their state; they didn't think about slavery or other big issues. They just were loyal. Loyalty is not a bad thing, but it is also not something to justify much, let alone evil. I am not saying I'd do much better, for our culture and community greatly influence us: I assume and fear if I had been living in Georgia in 1860 or Germany in 1935 I may have gone along with the flow. I'll never know. That said, as I lament the lack of courage from those in our history, I pray we have courage in the future to not just go along with tyrants who have a message we like to hear.
I also want to add, if you have never read a history of WWII, you may want to read a general one before you read this. Or at least, dig out your notes from high school or college. This book focuses on the Nazis, so we only hear about Japan and the US and other events of the war as it pertains to the Nazis. Basically, you need a knowledge of the war to follow along.
abelikoff's review against another edition
5.0
Mr Shirer's encyclopedic work is very different from other established treatises on the subject of WWII in two notable aspects:
- Being a US journalist stationed in Germany and covering the political life, he was actually present at many historical moments up to the point when US citizens became personae non gratae. This gives a unique personal perspective to the events we largely know about from the archives and documents.
- There is hardly a factual statement in this massive (1,200 pages) volume that is not annotated with a reference to a source. This makes it a treasure trove for further research and also shows a considerable effort by the author to stick to the documented facts rather than to "established truths" offering them at face value.
Surely, the work is not new and more information has been uncovered in the decades since its publication but it is still wonderfully relevant and complete in its coverage of that fateful period of the European History. If you want to know more about it, you absolutely should read this book - it is a great complement to many other definitive works.
- Being a US journalist stationed in Germany and covering the political life, he was actually present at many historical moments up to the point when US citizens became personae non gratae. This gives a unique personal perspective to the events we largely know about from the archives and documents.
- There is hardly a factual statement in this massive (1,200 pages) volume that is not annotated with a reference to a source. This makes it a treasure trove for further research and also shows a considerable effort by the author to stick to the documented facts rather than to "established truths" offering them at face value.
Surely, the work is not new and more information has been uncovered in the decades since its publication but it is still wonderfully relevant and complete in its coverage of that fateful period of the European History. If you want to know more about it, you absolutely should read this book - it is a great complement to many other definitive works.
adamsw216's review against another edition
4.0
Short review:
Shirer presents us with a grand, sweeping narrative of the rise and fall of the Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. Buttressed with plenty of quoted primary sources and exhaustively researched histories, it feels like no stone is left unturned. While inevitably touching upon the military ventures, the text is very much focused on the political history aspects. Shirer's experiences as a journalist living in Germany during the fateful early years, as well as his presence at the Nuremburg trials gives him a unique perspective and closeness to the historical events he depicts. This closeness to history is both its greatest strength as well as its greatest weakness, since Shirer clearly has some particularly biased opinions which do not hold up well in the light of 2023. However, this should not detract from his success in creating a factual account told with a keen eye for history and journalistic wit. I think it is an interesting and enlightening read in many ways. A good (if, perhaps daunting) gateway into further reading on the subject.
Some redundant and rambling thoughts:
William L. Shirer presents us with his magnum opus, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It is an exhaustively researched narrative of the rise and fall of Nazi Germany heavy with direct quotes and citations, interspersed with Shirer's personal experiences as a first hand observer of the events as they unfolded before him in his role as a foreign correspondent living in Germany. He writes with a keen eye for history and journalistic wit. This sweeping history takes us from a family history of Adolf Hitler through the end of the war and its aftermath.
The first half of the text covers the rise. Shirer expertly navigates us through an incredibly complex and convoluted political landscape with tons of bit players. It could have been a complete mess, but Shirer writes clearly and concisely. The author leaves no stone unturned and, though it can feel painfully detailed at times, he is very thorough in providing us with the many pieces that make up the whole. This includes many side trips into more esoteric bits of history following specific events or parts of society that experienced a ripple effect from the rise of Hitler.
Around the halfway point, the war begins in earnest. Though we are taken through the battles and other important military events of the war, we never stray far from the goings on at the Führer Headquarters. With this focus on the political history, military ventures are reduced down to the bare facts necessary to understand the direction that Hitler and his cabinet take the war. Taking full advantage of the journals of those closest to Hitler, Shirer produces a vivid narrative of the thoughts and movements going on behind the veil of death and destruction throughout Europe.
Towards the end of the book, the author takes some time to examine the repercussions of Nazi stranglehold on Europe. He describes the cruel treatment of the Jews, the barbarism of the concentration and extermination camps, the inhumanity of the experiments on prisoners, and the merciless plans that were set for the Western Allied nations if they were successfully occupied.
Finally, in the spring of 1945 after the death of Hitler, the Third Reich ceases to exist. Shirer attends the trials at Nuremburg and describes seeing the surviving collaborators of Hitler.
"I went down to Nuremburg to see them. I'd often watched them in their hour of glory and power at the annual party rallies in this town. In the dock before the international military tribunal they looked different. There'd been quite a metamorphosis... they seemed to be a drab assortment of mediocrities. It seemed difficult to grasp that such men, when last you had seen them, had wielded such monstrous power. They such as they could conquer a great nation and most of Europe."
As a primary source this book can be an incredible resource. However, one must tread carefully where Shirer has painted portraits of people tinted with his personal opinions. He describes certain individuals as doltish, meek, foolish, or any other number of adjectives formed from his own observations (though, sometimes drawn from the descriptions of other historians/observers). We also can not ignore his condescension towards homosexuals, whom he often groups with criminals, deviants, and perverts. Additionally, the German people are implied to have an inherent character flaw that made them susceptible to accepting the rise of Nazism with no other evidence provided than the fact that Nazism rose to power in Germany. It is unclear whether he is making the argument that the socio-economic situation brought about by the results of the first World War are the cause of this "character flaw" or if he is making some strange argument that Germans themselves are biologically predisposed to being susceptible to being duped by the Nazis. The former is certainly an important point of discussion, but the latter seems bizarre. That being said, a vast majority of this book is exactly what the title says--a detailed examination of the rise and fall of the third Reich. The author is up front and does not obfuscate his personal biases behind false facts or florid prose. Though these biases exist, they should not be allowed to overshadow the enormity of the work, but certainly should be considered.
(The percentage of my review dedicated to addressing these biases in no way proportional to their occurrence in the text itself.)
Throughout the years since its initial publication, Rise and Fall has seen plenty of praise and criticism. Personally, I think that an important part of a primary source is the thoughts and feelings of those that were present at the time which a purely objective history can not account for. Naturally, one must takes these into account when considering potential biases in the work. Shirer straddles this line precariously, but I think he still manages to produce an important work of history. In the afterward written for the 30th anniversary edition of the book, Shirer professes concern over the impending reunification of Germany and its potential for becoming a military power in Europe once more. He says, "People ask now, 'Have the Germans changed?' Many in the west appear to believe so. I myself am not so sure. My view no doubt clouded by the personal experience of having lived and worked in Germany in the Nazi time." It is this closeness to history that brings out Shirer's flaws as a historian, but also his strengths as a journalist and storyteller. If not for its masterful telling of the entire history of the Nazi party, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is an important read because of the indelible mark it has left on society.
Shirer presents us with a grand, sweeping narrative of the rise and fall of the Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. Buttressed with plenty of quoted primary sources and exhaustively researched histories, it feels like no stone is left unturned. While inevitably touching upon the military ventures, the text is very much focused on the political history aspects. Shirer's experiences as a journalist living in Germany during the fateful early years, as well as his presence at the Nuremburg trials gives him a unique perspective and closeness to the historical events he depicts. This closeness to history is both its greatest strength as well as its greatest weakness, since Shirer clearly has some particularly biased opinions which do not hold up well in the light of 2023. However, this should not detract from his success in creating a factual account told with a keen eye for history and journalistic wit. I think it is an interesting and enlightening read in many ways. A good (if, perhaps daunting) gateway into further reading on the subject.
Some redundant and rambling thoughts:
William L. Shirer presents us with his magnum opus, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It is an exhaustively researched narrative of the rise and fall of Nazi Germany heavy with direct quotes and citations, interspersed with Shirer's personal experiences as a first hand observer of the events as they unfolded before him in his role as a foreign correspondent living in Germany. He writes with a keen eye for history and journalistic wit. This sweeping history takes us from a family history of Adolf Hitler through the end of the war and its aftermath.
The first half of the text covers the rise. Shirer expertly navigates us through an incredibly complex and convoluted political landscape with tons of bit players. It could have been a complete mess, but Shirer writes clearly and concisely. The author leaves no stone unturned and, though it can feel painfully detailed at times, he is very thorough in providing us with the many pieces that make up the whole. This includes many side trips into more esoteric bits of history following specific events or parts of society that experienced a ripple effect from the rise of Hitler.
Around the halfway point, the war begins in earnest. Though we are taken through the battles and other important military events of the war, we never stray far from the goings on at the Führer Headquarters. With this focus on the political history, military ventures are reduced down to the bare facts necessary to understand the direction that Hitler and his cabinet take the war. Taking full advantage of the journals of those closest to Hitler, Shirer produces a vivid narrative of the thoughts and movements going on behind the veil of death and destruction throughout Europe.
Towards the end of the book, the author takes some time to examine the repercussions of Nazi stranglehold on Europe. He describes the cruel treatment of the Jews, the barbarism of the concentration and extermination camps, the inhumanity of the experiments on prisoners, and the merciless plans that were set for the Western Allied nations if they were successfully occupied.
Finally, in the spring of 1945 after the death of Hitler, the Third Reich ceases to exist. Shirer attends the trials at Nuremburg and describes seeing the surviving collaborators of Hitler.
"I went down to Nuremburg to see them. I'd often watched them in their hour of glory and power at the annual party rallies in this town. In the dock before the international military tribunal they looked different. There'd been quite a metamorphosis... they seemed to be a drab assortment of mediocrities. It seemed difficult to grasp that such men, when last you had seen them, had wielded such monstrous power. They such as they could conquer a great nation and most of Europe."
As a primary source this book can be an incredible resource. However, one must tread carefully where Shirer has painted portraits of people tinted with his personal opinions. He describes certain individuals as doltish, meek, foolish, or any other number of adjectives formed from his own observations (though, sometimes drawn from the descriptions of other historians/observers). We also can not ignore his condescension towards homosexuals, whom he often groups with criminals, deviants, and perverts. Additionally, the German people are implied to have an inherent character flaw that made them susceptible to accepting the rise of Nazism with no other evidence provided than the fact that Nazism rose to power in Germany. It is unclear whether he is making the argument that the socio-economic situation brought about by the results of the first World War are the cause of this "character flaw" or if he is making some strange argument that Germans themselves are biologically predisposed to being susceptible to being duped by the Nazis. The former is certainly an important point of discussion, but the latter seems bizarre. That being said, a vast majority of this book is exactly what the title says--a detailed examination of the rise and fall of the third Reich. The author is up front and does not obfuscate his personal biases behind false facts or florid prose. Though these biases exist, they should not be allowed to overshadow the enormity of the work, but certainly should be considered.
(The percentage of my review dedicated to addressing these biases in no way proportional to their occurrence in the text itself.)
Throughout the years since its initial publication, Rise and Fall has seen plenty of praise and criticism. Personally, I think that an important part of a primary source is the thoughts and feelings of those that were present at the time which a purely objective history can not account for. Naturally, one must takes these into account when considering potential biases in the work. Shirer straddles this line precariously, but I think he still manages to produce an important work of history. In the afterward written for the 30th anniversary edition of the book, Shirer professes concern over the impending reunification of Germany and its potential for becoming a military power in Europe once more. He says, "People ask now, 'Have the Germans changed?' Many in the west appear to believe so. I myself am not so sure. My view no doubt clouded by the personal experience of having lived and worked in Germany in the Nazi time." It is this closeness to history that brings out Shirer's flaws as a historian, but also his strengths as a journalist and storyteller. If not for its masterful telling of the entire history of the Nazi party, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich is an important read because of the indelible mark it has left on society.
devinfeyded's review against another edition
4.0
I was captured by this book from the beginning. I listened to it every day and actually enjoyed the author's commentary on events. A caveat to anyone wanting to read this is that Shirer occasionally describes Nazis as gay or fat, as if that was the worst thing about them. It's for each person to decide for themself whether they can forgive the author for this, or partake of it in order to learn this history.
This book honestly gave me nightmares in a way no other Nazi Germany, nonfiction or fiction, has. I think it has some significant lessons applicable today. I learned a lot.
This book honestly gave me nightmares in a way no other Nazi Germany, nonfiction or fiction, has. I think it has some significant lessons applicable today. I learned a lot.
loopyjazz's review against another edition
4.0
After a little bit over six months I have finished. I am sad that I read this as a digital copy and I will not hear the satisfying thunk of tossing such a book of tremendous proportions on my bookshelf. Nor will I get to see it sit there like a towering edifice over my puny other books.
The book isn't so much about details of the war, but what was going on within the third reich. Shirer goes through the events, but the real meaty bits are the excerpts of back and forth exchanges, the behind closed door discussions, diplomatic discussions, memos, and diary entries. Knowing the history and reading back on decisions that were made was frustrating. I don't know how many times I felt like yelling at Chamberlain that appeasement won't work.
I found a lot of the book interesting and unnerving. There was a tremendous amount of dense detail and first hand account or primary source material used, which I liked. What is unnerving is the depths of atrocities and the scale of them. Shirer has a chapter on the new order detailing some of the worst things that humans can do to one another. And I have read accounts before and I have been to museums in Germany, but every time it is reintroduced to my brain, my brain struggles with it. I don't think it is something that I can truly understand and I don't really want to.
In reflecting on Shirer's account of the rise portion of the third reich, it is frightening how relatively easy it seemed to happen and that the same game plan works today. Fiery oratory and blaming others still attracts fanatical followers. Propaganda is incredibly powerful and lies, even in the face of truth, are astounding in their effect. Nationalism is still popular and harmful. I suppose I shouldn't rant about it in a book review, but I think reading history invites contrast and comparison to current events.
The book isn't so much about details of the war, but what was going on within the third reich. Shirer goes through the events, but the real meaty bits are the excerpts of back and forth exchanges, the behind closed door discussions, diplomatic discussions, memos, and diary entries. Knowing the history and reading back on decisions that were made was frustrating. I don't know how many times I felt like yelling at Chamberlain that appeasement won't work.
I found a lot of the book interesting and unnerving. There was a tremendous amount of dense detail and first hand account or primary source material used, which I liked. What is unnerving is the depths of atrocities and the scale of them. Shirer has a chapter on the new order detailing some of the worst things that humans can do to one another. And I have read accounts before and I have been to museums in Germany, but every time it is reintroduced to my brain, my brain struggles with it. I don't think it is something that I can truly understand and I don't really want to.
In reflecting on Shirer's account of the rise portion of the third reich, it is frightening how relatively easy it seemed to happen and that the same game plan works today. Fiery oratory and blaming others still attracts fanatical followers. Propaganda is incredibly powerful and lies, even in the face of truth, are astounding in their effect. Nationalism is still popular and harmful. I suppose I shouldn't rant about it in a book review, but I think reading history invites contrast and comparison to current events.
spinnerroweok's review against another edition
4.0
I have finally finished this book, and man, was it good!
jeffphilly's review against another edition
4.0
Where do I begin? The detail in this is simply incredible. The main text is plenty detailed enough, but then there's even more within each of the chapter's footnotes. Yes, this is a very dark period in the history of the world. However, it's just one of those stories that. needs to be told. Personally, I think the author diid a marvelous job. If you do decide to read this, prepare to be in for quite a ride as it is a very long tale as the author starts the book well before the first World War.