Hitler: Volume II

The long-awaited second volume of Volker Ullrich's acclaimed biography of one of history's most notorious figures, Hitler: Volume II, delves deep into the war years. This gripping account takes readers from the early triumphs of the Blitzkrieg, the lightning-fast military campaigns that saw Nazi Germany conquer vast territories, through to the fateful decline that culminated in Hitler's suicide in his Berlin bunker in April 1945.

By the summer of 1939, Hitler had reached the summit of his power. The narrative traces his initial successes, fuelled by strategic ingenuity and ruthless ambition. However, as the war dragged on, the Führer's fortunes began to shift dramatically. The sustained conflict exposed the limitations and inherent flaws in his leadership, ultimately leading to catastrophic defeat.

Volker Ullrich meticulously documents how, realising the inevitability of defeat and with Soviet troops encircling Berlin, Hitler chose to end his life. This act of suicide, occurring just one week before Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, marked the end of a regime responsible for unparalleled devastation and the deaths of millions across Europe. Ullrich outlines how Hitler's grandiose dreams and brutal methods not only led to the ruin of his country but also had profound global repercussions.

In this definitive volume, Ullrich argues that the very traits that catapulted Hitler to power—his undeniable charisma, strategic thinking, and ruthless ambition—were intrinsically linked to his downfall. The book explores his deep-seated insecurities, his propensity for gambling on perilous ventures, and his tendency to scapegoat subordinates for his own failures. As Hitler's quarry face loomed more frequently in the Berlin bunker, his ability to lead effectively disintegrated, leaving a legacy of destruction in his wake.

Drawing on an abundance of new sources and cutting-edge scholarship, Hitler: Volume II offers an unsettling yet comprehensive portrait of a man whose actions irrevocably altered the course of history. This authoritative account not only chronicles the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler but also provides a nuanced examination of the psychological and tactical dimensions of his notorious tenure.

Dominic Sandbrook of the Sunday Times remarks, "Meticulous... Probably the most disturbing portrait of Hitler I have ever read," capturing the profound impact of Ullrich's work. Esteemed for its scholarly depth and gripping narrative, this biography is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Hitler's character and the catastrophic consequences of his rule.