Adolf Hitler

[saxy_jag]

This may sound a bit weird, but I have always been interested in this man - what made him tick, how he became what he was and, in particular, why he seemed think that what he did was absolutely the right thing. I'd like to read some more about the man but there have been so many books written about him that I really don't know where to start. Can anyone recommend a good, objective introduction? I did history at university so I'm fine reading anything written at that level.

[tonyav]

I can't help you with a book saxy-jag, but I remember watching a documentary ( can't remember what it was called though) and it sort of insinuated that Adolf was a mummy's boy.

[atalanta]

Hitler had the kind of intelligence which was closely tuned in to the german psyche. There had been heavy reparations to pay after the first world war, which was resented by german people, many of whom were badly impoverished. jews had always been resented for their clannishness, and above all for their wealth.
Hitler picked up on all these resentments, and offered the Germans a way out and a return to their former glory. His policies were irrestible to ordinary germans of those times. Try to find books on Hitler's psychology. If you still have access to a University Library, the Enquiries Librarians will certainly be able to get you started.

[Mattk]

He was a perfect example of passionate speaking i.e. the delivery masks the average content.

Also google the little known Billy Hitler. Makes for amusing and surprising reading!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Patrick_Stuart-Houston

[Khandro]

When I was in a position to do so, I always stressed to all admissions tutors the importance of their work. The greatest tragedy for the world in the 20th century was the failure to allow Hitler into the Akademie der Bildenden Künste Munich when he applied for entrance. He may not have become a great painter, but the world would have been spared the effects of him turning into a maniacal tyrant.

[bookbinder]

I can recommend this book:
Hitler: A Study in Tyranny. Alan Bullock. Odhams Press. Publication date circa 1952/3.
If it's still in print, of course. It deals with Hitler's formative years, then goes on to cover his political career. Bullock writes the story in a style that is at once very informative, and also easy to follow. I got my copy from a second-hand bookshop for £1.50, and I reckon it's a bargain.

[jake-the-peg]

You know I think we often forget how anti-semitic much of Europe was in the end of the 19th C and begining of the 20th.

The Dreyfus affair in France for example.

If you want a little fictional break in the themes of the time try Umberto Eco's Prague cemetry.

It's a wander through the time through the eyes of a particularly unsavory character - it's hard to believe after reading the book but only two characters are invented - the vast majority is true

[penelope2]

Can I suggest you read the book "A Brotherhood of Tyrants, Manic Depression & Absolute Power" by D. Jablow Hershman & Julien Lieb, M.D. The book compares Napoleon, Hitler and Stalin and describes a number of behavioural similarities supporting a contention that manic depression (Bi-Polar) can be one of the key factors in a political pathology such as tyranny. An enthralling read.

[Sharingan]

That sounds a fascinating read Penelope2 I think I might try that next.

[penelope2]

Thoroughly recommend it Sharingan. The authors have combined familiar facts from history and psychiatry to create a theory that power and 'madness' are linked by a mental disorder. Manic Depression / Bi-Polar, with it's inherent characteristics ( which include grandiosity, megalomania, hypermania and depression). These traits in a tyrannical personality identifies the psychotic tyrant.

[jim360]

I don't see that it's weird at all. You need to understand people like this in order to recognise and combat them.

[jim360]

Blair comparable to Hitler? That's not really what I was driving at...

[FredPuli43]

Bipolar? Dictators? Lust for power? Somebody keep an eye on Stephen Fry!

[jno]

I don't know if this series is still to be seen anywehre but I'm told it was good

http://www.historyextra.com/tv-and-radio/dark-charisma-adolf-hitler-1

[Scylax]

The definitive works have been written by Ian Kershaw, both of which are weighty tomes, but superb:
I. Kershaw: Hitler - 1889-1936 Hubris
Penguin Books, Lond. 1998

I.Kershaw: Hitler - 1936-1945 Nemesis
Allen Lane, Penguin Press, Lond. 2000

[Octavius]

I can't see it mentioned above, but the book by John Tolland might be worth a peek.