A book about the personal live(s) of the few people who were part of the small circle of associates during Hitler's years in power. Relations were comA book about the personal live(s) of the few people who were part of the small circle of associates during Hitler's years in power. Relations were complex and often driven by mutual interests rather than genuine friendship - and characterized by a combination of fear, manipulation, and ideological indoctrination.
Heike B. Görtemaker not only covers the more prominent figures, but also delves into several lesser-known figures within Hitler’s inner circle and the lives of the inner circle after the war. Without exception, they all maintaned their loyalty to Hitler even after his horrific deeds became public knowledge.
Heike B. Görtemaker approaches the subject with academic rigor, avoiding any sensationalism. However, this can make this book less compelling and engaging to those who enjoy more dramatic or emotionally charged histories....more
This book offers a surprisingly interesting look into some lesser-known archaeological discoveries that have had a tremendous impact on our understandThis book offers a surprisingly interesting look into some lesser-known archaeological discoveries that have had a tremendous impact on our understanding of the past. The work focuses on genuine archaeological findings that, while not widely publicized, are profoundly significant. Authored by a passionate archaeologist (not a regional manager at a paper company) which makes sure the the love for the discipline shines through on every page.
An unruly and unbalanced story that takes commitment to read
The Passenger is about the emotional struggle between Bobby Western, a man who has left a An unruly and unbalanced story that takes commitment to read
The Passenger is about the emotional struggle between Bobby Western, a man who has left a possible future in science to become a salvage diver and Alicia Western, his sister who committed suicide and who is introduced at the start of the book by her schizophrenic hallucinations and who will be, in fact, the main character in the second book Stella Maris
Near Pass Christian, Mississippi, just east of New Orleans, Louisiana, a plane crashed into the sea, one plane intact, its doors still closed. The salvage divers - Western and his colleague Oiler - must open the wreck, map the situation and secure the flight recorder. Afterwards, Oiler dies suspiciously and Western's home is ransacked by men with dubious badges who intimidate him. The reason why remains unclear. This seems like the start of a plot, but that plot never really comes to fruition – it is mainly a tool to further isolate Bobby, who takes the stroller, and to evoke a paranoid atmosphere. This results in a descent into darkness that takes Western from New Orleans to Tennessee, from the forests of Idaho to a remote Spanish island, and this is what this often frustrating book is all about.
What follows is a rattling, punctuation-poor dialogues, and worse, in hallucinations, in which the already difficult to grasp becomes even more slippery. McCarthy's strengths as a writer are there to save it: the cinematic tableaux (Bobby Western in a boat along the coast or a snowy cabin in the woods), the well-chosen details, the rich language and the way in which McCarthy effortlessly excels. This is what kept me reading: without them I probably would not have finished the book.
Of course I will read Stella Maris, but I hope the commitment it took me to struggle through this book will pay off....more
A history of the Luftwaffe's operations during World War II and their efforts to defend Germany from Allied bombing raids. It examines the tactics empA history of the Luftwaffe's operations during World War II and their efforts to defend Germany from Allied bombing raids. It examines the tactics employed by the Luftwaffe in attempting to thwart the bombing raids and the use of fighter aircraft, anti-aircraft artillery, and other defensive measures as well as technological advancements such as the jet-powered aircraft Me 163 and Me 262.
Caldwell delves into the challenges faced by the Luftwaffe, including shortages of resources and skilled pilots, as well as the gradual decline of Germany's air power as the war progressed. Perfectly suited for the reader with more than a general interest in World War 2, although the book leans towards an analytical and statistical approach.
With the lack of personal anecdotes it may therefore be challenging for readers that want to get a more personal perspective or want to read firsthand accounts of the battles that took place. But if you're looking for a factual analysis, this book will certainly offer a comprehensive historical account of the Luftwaffe's operations during World War II....more
I have always enjoyed Dan Jones's non-fiction works about the (among other works) the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta Band of Brothers, medieval edition
I have always enjoyed Dan Jones's non-fiction works about the (among other works) the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta an the Templars, so when I noticed he published a new book titles the Essex Dogs, I wondered which British military unit, group, or division he wrote about. The Essex Dogs were a group of mercenaries, obviously from Essex and they fought under Edward III, during his assault on Normandy as a part of the Hundred Years' War. Only, they never existed. As it turned out, this is a book is a work of fiction. Yes, Dan Jones has written a historical fiction novel.
We start with the landing on the Normandy beach, heading ever deeper into enemy territory toward Crécy and trying to survive. The Essex Dogs and their leader try to survive the harsh conditions and pillage and loot their way to France. Long marches, the waiting, the suffering of the peasants who see their harvest destroyed and their houses robbed - I guess nothing has changed very much since then.
We get to know the individual members of the Essex Dogs who, as a medieval band of brothers, try to protect each other and try to stay alive. The Essex dogs soon find themselves in the midst of diplomacy, as they are tasked with all sorts of diplomatic adventures, such as presenting the bishop of Caen with a peace proposal. In this we learn of the key players, such as the Black Prince (not depicted very sympathetically), the Earls of Warwick and Northampton and various other figures rooted in history.
I don't know how much liberty Dan Jones has granted himself when it comes to historical accuracy. A medieval meth-head? I don't know. The nobility is presented as just as any regular army officer - i don't know if this was the way it was at that time. But for me one of the captivating aspects is the strong sense of brotherhood that mirrors the renowned "Band of Brothers" narrative that emerged from World War II, where - almost 600 years later - soldiers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also landed in Normandy. The relationships between characters in "The Essex Dogs" are reminded me of the deep connections formed between soldiers in the 506th Regiment. The Essex Dogs" taps into the universal emotions of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.
Dan Jones has ventured into historical fiction with this book, blending real historical events and figures with fictional elements to create an engaging narrative. It offered me a unique blend of entertainment and education, and may do the same to you as well, as long as there is an understanding that certain elements are fictionalized for the sake of the narrative. Readers who appreciate the camaraderie and brotherhood depicted in "Band of Brothers" may find themselves drawn to the relationships and interactions among the characters in "The Essex Dogs."...more
The German generals were were experienced and capable military leaders who understood the complexities of warfare. They often found themselves in a diThe German generals were were experienced and capable military leaders who understood the complexities of warfare. They often found themselves in a difficult position, torn between carrying out Hitler's orders and pursuing more conventional and rational military strategies. What would have happened if the German High Command chose the different paths?
In this book Heinz Magenheimer researches all the different options Germany had to change the outcome of the war. Perhaps a more coherent strategy, avoiding risky decisions or more flexibility to changing circumstances could have prevented Germany's defeat.
Certainly interesting for the history enthusiast but for the casual reader perhaps a bit too complicated....more
The battle of the Bismarck Sea is, for me at least, one of the lesser known battles in the Southwest Pacific. However apparently it lives on in AustraThe battle of the Bismarck Sea is, for me at least, one of the lesser known battles in the Southwest Pacific. However apparently it lives on in Australian folklore as one of the turning points of the New Guinean campaign and rightly so: the Battle of the Bismarck Sea was a blow to the Japanese from which they would never recover. In which the RAAF played a major part.
Michael Veitch paints a vivid description of the battle and key characters. It starts of with the arrival of general Kenney, who proved to skeptics the tremendous value of Air Force tactical support of ground and naval forces, demonstrating the new technique of skip bombing, to the pain of the enemy. Paul Gunn, nicknamed 'Pappy Gunn' transformed Douglas A-20 Havocs into strafers by adding four .50-caliber machine guns to their noses. Together with RAAF air commodore William "Bill" Garin they devised the new tactic of skip-bombing and strafing.
After the defeat at Guadalcanal, the Japanese decided to send a convoy to Wau (New Guinea) to reinforce the Japanese forces there. The RAAF and US 5th Airforce decided to stop them. What resulted was the battle of the Bismarck Sea, where the Japanese convoy got annihilated. All brilliantly told in this book from Michael Veitch, which leaves you wanting more....more
This book provides an in-depth examination of the Luftwaffe's structure, organization, and leadership, as well as its role in various military campaigThis book provides an in-depth examination of the Luftwaffe's structure, organization, and leadership, as well as its role in various military campaigns throughout the war. Murray argues that the Luftwaffe's defeat was due to a combination of factors, including a lack of long-term strategic planning, poor leadership decisions and the bombing offensive of the Allies in the later stages of the war.
In fact, the production and industrial decisions made by the German leadership in the summer of 1940 was the decisive turning point in World War II. Ignoring the severe attrition that had occurred even in the Battle of France, Murray states that Germany lost the air war over Europe for 1943 and 1944. Later in the war, when the Allies launched a massive bombing campaign against Germany this put significant strain on the Luftwaffe's resources and production capabilities. The development of advanced aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang and the introduction of long-range fighter escorts allowed Allied bombers to strike deeper into Germany without suffering heavy losses.
Packed with detailed statistics showing the production, attrition rates and crew losses this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the Luftwaffe's role in World War II, and provides an excellent insight into the challenges faced by the German air force during the conflict and the reasons for its defeat....more
It is now or never; we must snatch at happiness as it flies
If there is one summer I remember vividly, it is the summer of '92. In my recollection it wIt is now or never; we must snatch at happiness as it flies
If there is one summer I remember vividly, it is the summer of '92. In my recollection it was a beautiful, warm and endless summer, full with potential and youthful optimism. A summer in which I spent a few weeks in the French countryside and stole my first kisses from des filles charmantes
It was this summer to which my thoughts now and then returned, when I started reading this book from J.L. Carr. In this 135 page memoir, Tom Birkin - a veteran from the trenches of Passendaele - arrives in Yorkshire to uncover a suspected wall painting in the village church of Oxgodby but at the same time wants to make a new start: from his wife and the war:
And, afterwards, perhaps I could make a new start, forget what the War and the rows with Vinny had done to me and begin where I’d left off. This is what I need, I thought—a new start and, afterwards, maybe I won’t be a casualty anymore.
Birkin starts to uncover the mural painting and at the same time starts to develop a close relationship with the artist, across the veil of time:
But, for me, the exciting thing was more than this. Here I was, face to face with a nameless painter reaching from the dark to show me what he could do, saying to me as clear as any words, “If any part of me survives from time’s corruption, let it be this. For this was the sort of man I was.”
Through Birkin’s experiences we meet the people of Oxgodby and see how Birkin almost imperceptibly slips into the life of the village. He becomes close friends with Charles Moon, a fellow WWI veteran who has been hired to unearth the grave of the ancestor of an important local family, And he falls in love with the vicar’s wife.
What follows is a beautiful story about love and happiness and a Tom Birkin, who tries to heal from his wartime experiences and a broken marriage. For me, it conjured up so many moving, beautiful, and humorous images, which took me back to that summer of '92. Just like Tom Birkin, I knew that my French summer would have to end somehow - as I had to move away, back to school, would grow older and the bright belief that there will be another marvelous thing around each corner would fade but that, in J.L Carr's words:
It is now or never; we must snatch at happiness as it flies.
December 1941 was the month that World War II became truly a 'world' war. The Germans (and Italians) had signed the Tripartite Pact in September 1940 December 1941 was the month that World War II became truly a 'world' war. The Germans (and Italians) had signed the Tripartite Pact in September 1940 with the hopes to defeat Britain and to deter the US from entering the war. The Japanese were hoping to drag Germany into the war against the US and Britain. British grand strategy was above all concerned with bringing the US into the war and Roosevelt was slowly provoking Germany in order to declare war, only to be helped by this by the attack on Pearl Harbour, in one stroke defeating the isolationists and uniting the US as a whole.
The war in the Pacific united the United States, involved the US in the war (finally, as Churchill regarded it) and helped Germany to hide its setback before the gates of Moscow.
Evan Mawdsley argues that the events of the twelve days from 1 to 12 December 1941 were pivotal. He examines the momentous happenings of December 1941 from a variety of perspectives. It shows that their significance is clearly understood only when they are viewed together. In this the book succeeds, however Germany's setback before Moscow feels like the odd one out. I noticed I tended to skip the chapter dealing with this event, as the events in the Pacific and Malaya leading up to Japan's assault were much more interesting....more
Unveiling grain's profound influence on civilizations, economies, and geopolitics
Throughout history, the cultivation and distribution of grain has plaUnveiling grain's profound influence on civilizations, economies, and geopolitics
Throughout history, the cultivation and distribution of grain has played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of humankind. Surplus grain production facilitated urbanization and the rise of complex societies. Grain, transported along river routes, overland trade routes, and across seas, forged connections between disparate regions and cultures. Interruptions in grain supply due to conflicts or political upheavals often led to economic turmoil and civil unrest.
In this book, author Scott Reynolds Nelson traces the flow of grain and how the two most productive regions, Ukraine and the United States. As the Europe's breadbasket, the control over Ukraine's grain production and trade routes has been a factor in influencing regional power dynamics and the relationships between neighboring empires and states. Russia's expansion under Catherine the Great meant that Russia now controlled Europe's grain production. However, the Ottoman empire controlled the trade routes via the Bosporus strait. This allowed Russia to leverage its control over Ukrainian grain production for economic, political, and strategic purposes - and also explains her interest in Constantinople. Controlling Constantinople would provide Russia with access to key maritime trade routes and strengthen its influence over naval and commercial activities in the region and fully control the grain trade.
The United States became a major grain exporter during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with significant expansion occurring in the latter half of the 19th century. According to Nelson the Homestead Act of 1862, the expansion of the railroads and above all the the practice of futures trading helped to ensure stability in the supply chain, provided a mechanism for managing price risk and allowed the United States to surpass the Ukraine in the world grain trade.
Nelson traces the role of grain and its influence on social-economic topics. He paints the grain trade acting as a catalyst, drawing together both labor and capital where sustenance is abundant and harbors are deep. The grain trade sparked waves of immigration, fueled the engines of industrialization, and gave rise to sprawling urban landscapes. Cities like London, Paris, and Amsterdam saw their populations doubling, interspersed with the various grain crises. Nelson pays his respect to Israel Lazarevich Gelfand (better known as Parvus), "a famous revolutionary whom you probably never have heard of", who believed that the grain trade played a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of imperialist powers, economic exploitation, and social unrest, which in turn could provide opportunities for revolutionary change.
Oceans of Grain is a captivating journey and narrative unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Athens, Constantinople, and Moscow and the American plains. The narrative unearths the intricate connections between the ascent of Germany and Italy, the decline of Austria and Turkey, and Europe's feverish scramble for empire.
The book's resonance was made even more palpable to me, as news of Russia's decision not to extend the Ukraine grain deal in July 2023 was taken while I read the book. "Oceans of Grain" made me understand the implications, shining a light on the multifaceted dance between grain, geopolitics, and the destiny of humankind....more
In 1962, German researchers conducted a series of interviews with former members of the Waffen SS Panzer troops who had fought in World War 2. This isIn 1962, German researchers conducted a series of interviews with former members of the Waffen SS Panzer troops who had fought in World War 2. This is the result: a number of interviews of their experiences while serving in Russia, Italy or Normandy. Recommended for anyone with an interest in WW2 topics and likes to know how it was on the ground. ...more
In Bomber Command Max Hastings provides a definitive account on the strategy and policies from Bomber Command, which in the course of 4 years was ableIn Bomber Command Max Hastings provides a definitive account on the strategy and policies from Bomber Command, which in the course of 4 years was able to lay waste to many German cities. It was computed after the war that 593,000 German civilians died and 3,37 million dwellings were destroyed.
It gives a good description from the initial strategy, based on the Trenchard doctrine, to precision-bomb German installations. Pinpoint attacks were directed to German targets, with heavy losses and minimal results. After the Butt Report, which showed that a large number of bombs never hit the target, Great Britain still continued the bombing raids, for the simple fact that in the beginning phase of the war there was simply no other means of taking the war to Germany.
However, with the growing number of bombers and the introduction of more and more effective bombers, the decision was taken at the end of 1941 that, since a city was the highest common factor which most crews could identify on a given night under average conditions, Bomber Command would abandon its efforts to hit precision industrial targets and address itself simply to attacking the urban areas of Germany.
But how effective was the bombing? Harris points out that German production actually grew during the later war years, despite the heavy bombing attacks. According to him, the only way to hit the German armies was by focussing on the oil refineries. Only by September 1944 the Allies started focussing on the oil refineries, which should have been done much earlier. The Oil Plan will be remembered by history as one of the Allies’ great missed opportunities.
How was it at the receiving end? According to Harris, the Germans should have focussed on their night-fighter capabilities. Had they done so, had they lavished a fraction of the resources devoted to futile aircraft development or even ground defences upon the night-fighters of the Reich, had Jeschonnek or Goering forcefully supported Speer and Milch in their efforts to gain priority for home-fighter defence, Bomber Command might by the winter of 1943 have suffered losses that would have brought its offensive against Germany to an abrupt conclusion.
While reading the book, you might forget how it was in the ground for Germans themselves, who had to endure the bombing for so many years. Hastings gives the example of Darmstadt, a city relatively unmolested. Until 11/12 September 1944 that is, when a bombing raid destroyed large parts of the city. Hastings paints a vivid description of the horrors that fell on the population, which will haunt me forever to come.
All in all, the bombers made an important, perhaps critical contribution in 1941 and 1942 to keeping alive the morale of the British people, and to deterring the Americans from a premature second front. When they possessed the strategic justification – in 1942 and 1943 – they lacked the means. By the winter of 1944, when they had gained the means, the justification was gone.
How could anyone not like a book written by Max Hastings?...more
1000 years ago, the world managed to defeat and imprison an ancient evil. But he’s back: this time to destroy all of humanity once and for all
1000 yea1000 years ago, the world managed to defeat and imprison an ancient evil. But he’s back: this time to destroy all of humanity once and for all
1000 years ago, humanity succeeded in defeating the Nameless One: a fire-breathing dragon which wants to kill all humans. Since then, the known world has been divided between the West and the East. The West, which call themselves “Virtudom”, holds the belief that as long as the royal line of Berethnet holds the throne, the Nameless One will not return. They hate the dragons (yes, there are dragons!) and hunt them. The East however, reveres the dragons and there are men and women who train to be dragon riders.
In the West, the young queen Sabran Berethnet holds the throne. Ead, a member of the priory of the Orange Tree dedicated to killing dragons and other servants of the Nameless One, has vowed to protect her. In the East, Tané trains to be a dragon rider, only to be exposed after she commits a crime and instead is sent to a monastery (or its equivalent) on a remote island.
Meanwhile the omes are bad: more and more dragons are seen and Queen Sabran still hasn’t received an heir. Dark clouds are gathering. The lives of Ead and Tané become more and more intertwined, because it is them who hold the key to defeating the Nameless One, who can rise in any moment, ready to destroy the world.
The world that Samantha Shannon paints, did remind me of China and Japan. There were a few oriental references which gave me the idea. And, which for me a nice surprise, a touch of the Netherlands: the trading post Orisima, the only place where trade between the two continents is allowed, is surely a reference to Dejima in Japan. And what about the color of the tree of life, it surely is not called the Orange tree for nothing?
But I digress, back to the story. What about the story? With 848 pages this is a big book and I must admit that there were a few points where I considered to leave it there, but luckily in the latter part of the book the story got into pace and I was curious how it all would end. But to be honest, although the book managed to capture my attention in the end, I really hoped to have some more strong character building. There’s something naive about it, for all the characters feel like young people, even the ones who are well past middle age. I really hoped to find more politics and ambition in this book, especially with regards to the big evil Nameless One, who was bad because … he was bad.
In the end, it is not that I don’t have anything positive to say about this book, it did have some interesting stuff going on (some drama, a slow developing romance) and although it managed to keep my interest, it could have been more. Therefore: 3 stars....more
“I never gave them courage, I was able to focus theirs."
The Splendid and the Vile isn’t merely a story about war and diplomacy, but a story on how the“I never gave them courage, I was able to focus theirs."
The Splendid and the Vile isn’t merely a story about war and diplomacy, but a story on how the Churchills and their circle coped with the strains of war. Larsson draws from personal accounts of those around him, especially his private secretary John Colville and Mary Churchill. It is through their diaries that we get an intimate insight in Churchill and his inner circle. It are these stories of the different side characters which make this book stand out from all other Churchill books. By focussing on these characters, the reader gets a great insight in these troubling times, where we see that despite the war, life went on. And it brought out the best in them: it was the splendid during the vile.
We see Mary Churchill going from one dance to another, her affectations with various handsome soldiers and diplomats and her (later cancelled) engagement, ending up as an anti-aircraft gunner in Hyde Park.
We see Pamela Churchill, Winston’s daughter-in-law married with Winston’s son Randolph, under the strains of a unhappy marriage, only to find her happiness again in the arms of Averill Harriman.
Jock Colville from whose diary we get an inside account of life at Downing Street 10 and Chequers, expressing his admiration for his boss, his lovelife for and his desire to become an RAF pilot.
Beaverbrook, the minister of Aircraft Production, long time friend and occasional antagonist of Churchill, plagued by eye troubles and asthma, who offered his resignation 14 times before Churchill finally accepted. But not before Beaverbrook managed to double fighter output in his first three months of his office, while at the same time providing the kind of counsel and humour that helped Churchill through his days.
And last but not least, professor Lindemann, a brilliant but arrogant prime scientific adviser to Churchill and his failed scheme of small aerial mines to be dropped on German bombers.
From German perspective we read about Hermann Goring and Goebbels, who desperately try to eliminate Britain, but time and time again wonder how Britain could survive. And Hess is also there, with the story culminating in Hess’s failed mad plot to broker a peace between Germany and England.
The story is Interspersed with interesting anecdotes about Churchill, such as the time he halted a convoy and demanded it returned, to pick up Nelson, the family cat, who they had left at Downing 10. Or the sometimes desperate hope he placed in Roosevelt, who he hoped would come to England’s assistance. His wooing of Harry Hopkins and Averell Harriman, who he hoped would help Roosevelt to convince England was in need of his help. His various visits to destroyed places, to meet he survivors whose courage often left him in tears.
Diana Cooper, wife of information Minister Duff Cooper, told Churchill that the best thing he had done was to give people courage. He did not agree. “I never gave them courage,” he said. “I was able to focus theirs."...more
At such moments the emotions evade verbal expression, complex and stirring as they are. Three thousand years and more had elapsed since men's eyes had gazed into that golden coffin. Time, measured by the brevity of human life, seemed to lose its common perspectives before a spectacle so vividly recalling the solemn religious rites of a vanished civilization
Can you see anything? Yes, wonderful things - Howard Carter
A first hand account of Howard Carter, the discoverer of the (almost) intact tomb of TutankCan you see anything? Yes, wonderful things - Howard Carter
A first hand account of Howard Carter, the discoverer of the (almost) intact tomb of Tutankhamen, the child Pharao of Egypt. It is told from the heart and the feelings that Howard felt during the initial discovery and subsequent excavation and a personal account. If you have any interest(s) in archaeology, this is a must read book.
Let me finish with this quote from Howard Carter:
For the moment – an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by – I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand in suspense any longer, inquired anxiously "Can you see anything?", it was all I could do to get out the words "Yes, wonderful things
In 1919, when the peacemakers met in Paris, new nations emerged and great empires died. In this book Margaret It is much easier to make war than peace
In 1919, when the peacemakers met in Paris, new nations emerged and great empires died. In this book Margaret McMillan explores the negotiations and the drawing of the new borders in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Clemencaeu complained during one of the hour long sessions: "It is much easier to make war than peace". Winning the war was important, but winning the peace even more. The Versailles Treaty, as it came to be known, laid the foundations for much trouble later on: not only the Second World War, but also the four Balkan wars between 1991 and 1999, the crisis over Iraq, the continuing quest of the Kurds for self-determination, disputes between Greece and Turkey and the endless struggle between the Arab and the Jews. Wilson's dream of setting up the League of Nations died in the US congress. His fourteen points gave hope to some, but much frustration for others.
Of all the Great Powers France had the most stake in the German peace terms. Britain already had most what it wanted, with the German fleet and the major colonies safely in its hands. The United States, protected by Germany by the Atlantic Ocean, was eager to pack up and go home. Italy left halway through and the Japanese never opened their mouths.
It was France who not only has suffered the most, but had also most to fear. In the end, when it came to the German terms, France got what it wanted. The Rhineland, although not annexed but at least demoblized, a limited German army and immense reparations. The rest is history. In the end Clemenceau was right: it had been easier to win the war than the peace....more
"I am immortal!" exulted Hitler in the wake of the failed assassination plot of July 20, 1944. And yes, after reading this book, one might come to tha"I am immortal!" exulted Hitler in the wake of the failed assassination plot of July 20, 1944. And yes, after reading this book, one might come to that conclusion, for the fact that regardless of the tight security, Hitler survived (most of them unwittingly) many assassination attempts.
The figures vary, but it is believed that during his lifetime over forty separate attempts were made to kill Hitler. Hitler himself was obsessed by assassination and took an almost perverse interest in the finest details of his security apparatus, yet conversely stated that if someone wanted to kill him, there was nothing that could change his ultimate ‘fate’.
And it is indeed remarkable that Hitler managed to survive for so long as he was the target of plot after plot both before and after he assumed the mantle of Führer. Few leaders in modern history have attracted so many people bent on killing them – and survived. Hitler survived several attempts due to remarkable luck: a speech that was finished before the scheduled time, an SS man locked in a toilet, unable to activate a bomb and a uniform exposition that was cancelled due to the fact that the uniforms were destroyed in an Allied bombardment.
The main topic of this book is not the many assassination attempts, but the security measures that were taken. The book starts with detailed descriptions of the special train (Führersonderzug) that Hitler used, his many aircraft (the Focke-Wulf Fw 200 Condor and later the Ju 290, which Hitler never flew) with its special escape hatches for Hitler and his Mercedes Benz make up for good reading.
Also, the many Führer Headquarters are described in detail.
And as usual, the many organisations and abteilungen are dazzling, but this was exactly wat Hitler intended to do, with his divide and conquer attitude.
In providing this information, this book is an invaluable contribution to the history of the Third Reich.
The exploration of the Cosmos is a voyage of self-discovery - Carl Sagan
Although here and there outdated, the true meaning of this book still holds swThe exploration of the Cosmos is a voyage of self-discovery - Carl Sagan
Although here and there outdated, the true meaning of this book still holds sway. Carl Sagan, one part astronomer and three parts philosopher, is the master....more
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