Hitler
1991 • 1,072 pages

Ratings5

Average rating4.6

15

Hitler's often shown as this uniquely evil figure, but Kershaw portrays him as a bit of a buffoon who wasn't especially good at anything—except making speeches. He was a great public speaker.

I think this approach is good, actually. The demonic version of Hitler lets everyone off the hook. After all, how can we resist a demon? But when you consider Hitler the loser, Hitler the unlikable oddball, Hitler the guy who sounds like a lot of guys down the pub, and you ask yourself "How did a guy like this cause all of that?", you're forced to ask some very difficult questions.

Anyway, a great book and a nicely detailed, impartial history.

January 14, 2025Report this review