I picked up The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany (here after Third Reich) on October 25, and started it at once. I finished it this morning (Dec 10). At 57 hours it is the longest book I've listened to so far and took me longer because of And I loved it. I first heard of this book from my father who owns a hardback copy that sits on the self downstairs by the computers. When I was in high school I remember him taking it down and saying, "It's time again." When he finished he told me that he likes to read it every ten years or so to remind himself of what is possible when people don't pay attention. The story of Adolf Hitler's rise to power is one that is shocking and incredible. It's amazing that corruption on such a scale was not only practiced but believed on the scale that it was. Adolf Hitler somehow got away with what might be considered the biggest con in the world. A con that revived and subsequently destroyed Germany's economy as well as killed millions of people through terror, war, and extermination. Shirer was a journalist in Germany during Hitler's reign. He was present for many of the pre-war events and even heard many of Hitler's speeches. In addition to his own observations Shirer was able to get official documents, captured from the Nazi regime. Such a collection of documents including memos, meeting notes, diaries and journals. The extent of the documents leaves very little unknown - even in regard to "secret" meetings. Shirer was also present for the Nuremberg Trials and used testimony from them as source material to expand the narrative. Here is the link to Audible's page for the book. Overall the book was captivating and intriguing. As my father said, it's good to be reminded of what is possible when people don't pay attention. With history's hindsight we can see exactly how bad it can be. The book was narrated by Grover Gardner who did a great job.
Plot: The scope of the book is explained in the title. Starting with a brief history of the young Adolf Hitler, Third Reich really starts with Hitler's decision to enter politics and his introduction to National Socialism. As the Nazi party later became a cult to Hitler we get a fairly detailed understanding of the man from his decision to join to his death at his own hands. Beyond a history of Hitler's leadership in the party Shirer also discusses the intellectual basis of National Socialism (Aryan race supremacy - a very flawed science); what life was like under Nazi rule; and the political, military, and economic decisions of the Nazi leaders. The "bloodless" victories over Austria and Czechoslovakia, the conquest of Poland, Norway, Denmark and France, and the conflict with Britain and the USSR are all discussed as part of Nazi history. Those conflicts are discussed from a political standpoint - they are not a blow-by-blow or strategy and tactics. In many ways, the first two years of the war take more time to discuss because of the political machination that took place whereas the last three years were more of a straight up fight. Shirer is very good at pointing out the "might have beens" of history. He does so without condemnation to the individual players, but more as an admonition that should history start to repeat itself that those that have seen these events in the past will recognize the signs and will act in ways to stop it. Because Shirer had so much material to write Third Reich he is able to give names and dates without fear of error. It is probable that this book has a near complete list of all the players involved with Nazi Germany from those that led it to those that served it to those that opposed it and were affected by it. While it is impossible to cover everything Third Reich does a very thorough job at helping readers (and listeners) understand how the Nazi party was able to be voted into power and then destroyed Germany from the inside out.
Personal favorites: I really like how thorough Shirer was with the topic. I felt like every possible topic about Nazi Germany was discussed. The wealth of sources was incredible as well. I was impressed and very pleased when Shirer mentioned the extensive interview he personally had with General Franz Halder. I was also liked hearing the author's personal comments about the Nazi leaders as well as personal experiences. As the book is centered on the history of the Third Reich and not Shirer's memoirs such personal remarks are not extensive but add a nice flavor to the historical narrative. It was fascinating to hear of the political side of the war - I've spent more of my time on the military side.
Considerations: The biggest consideration is that the book is massive. 57 hours is a big commitment, but you do get your credit's worth (or $50 if you buy it). Also, a book about Nazi Germany includes the atrocities that they committed the biggest being called by them "the Final Solution to the Jewish Problem." The book does relate a number of wrenching scenes- descriptions of the extermination squads at work, medical experiments, and other such depravities. While such things cannot be discussed without details that may make some uncomfortable such descriptions are kept as straight forward as possible and were not gratuitous or the focus of the book.
Ever since my father's last re-read of this book, I've thought about it. Audible was the perfect way for me to enjoy it and learn so much about a small group that took over a modern country and started something that changed the world for ever more. The book teaches us some valuable lessons - the biggest of which is to stand up for what we know is wrong. Such lessons are best learned through history and may we ourselves pray to never experience them ourselves. As mentioned, the total length was 57 hours.
Plot: The scope of the book is explained in the title. Starting with a brief history of the young Adolf Hitler, Third Reich really starts with Hitler's decision to enter politics and his introduction to National Socialism. As the Nazi party later became a cult to Hitler we get a fairly detailed understanding of the man from his decision to join to his death at his own hands. Beyond a history of Hitler's leadership in the party Shirer also discusses the intellectual basis of National Socialism (Aryan race supremacy - a very flawed science); what life was like under Nazi rule; and the political, military, and economic decisions of the Nazi leaders. The "bloodless" victories over Austria and Czechoslovakia, the conquest of Poland, Norway, Denmark and France, and the conflict with Britain and the USSR are all discussed as part of Nazi history. Those conflicts are discussed from a political standpoint - they are not a blow-by-blow or strategy and tactics. In many ways, the first two years of the war take more time to discuss because of the political machination that took place whereas the last three years were more of a straight up fight. Shirer is very good at pointing out the "might have beens" of history. He does so without condemnation to the individual players, but more as an admonition that should history start to repeat itself that those that have seen these events in the past will recognize the signs and will act in ways to stop it. Because Shirer had so much material to write Third Reich he is able to give names and dates without fear of error. It is probable that this book has a near complete list of all the players involved with Nazi Germany from those that led it to those that served it to those that opposed it and were affected by it. While it is impossible to cover everything Third Reich does a very thorough job at helping readers (and listeners) understand how the Nazi party was able to be voted into power and then destroyed Germany from the inside out.Personal favorites: I really like how thorough Shirer was with the topic. I felt like every possible topic about Nazi Germany was discussed. The wealth of sources was incredible as well. I was impressed and very pleased when Shirer mentioned the extensive interview he personally had with General Franz Halder. I was also liked hearing the author's personal comments about the Nazi leaders as well as personal experiences. As the book is centered on the history of the Third Reich and not Shirer's memoirs such personal remarks are not extensive but add a nice flavor to the historical narrative. It was fascinating to hear of the political side of the war - I've spent more of my time on the military side.
Considerations: The biggest consideration is that the book is massive. 57 hours is a big commitment, but you do get your credit's worth (or $50 if you buy it). Also, a book about Nazi Germany includes the atrocities that they committed the biggest being called by them "the Final Solution to the Jewish Problem." The book does relate a number of wrenching scenes- descriptions of the extermination squads at work, medical experiments, and other such depravities. While such things cannot be discussed without details that may make some uncomfortable such descriptions are kept as straight forward as possible and were not gratuitous or the focus of the book.
Ever since my father's last re-read of this book, I've thought about it. Audible was the perfect way for me to enjoy it and learn so much about a small group that took over a modern country and started something that changed the world for ever more. The book teaches us some valuable lessons - the biggest of which is to stand up for what we know is wrong. Such lessons are best learned through history and may we ourselves pray to never experience them ourselves. As mentioned, the total length was 57 hours.
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