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Hitler: Volume II

Downfall 1939-45
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( 1,394 ratings, 146 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Hitler: Volume II by Volker Ullrich provides an in-depth examination of Hitler's reign from the mid-1930s through to the end of World War II. It explores his political strategies, the dynamics of the Nazi regime, and the impact of his leadership on Germany and the world. This volume delves into the war's escalation and the Holocaust, offering a comprehensive portrait of Hitler's dictatorship and the era's historical context.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are interested in a detailed, well-researched biography that delves into the complex personal and political life of Adolf Hitler during the height of his power. It offers gripping insights and a comprehensive understanding of a dark chapter in history.

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Hitler: Volume II

Probably the most disturbing portrait of Hitler I have ever read' Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times

By the summer of 1939 Hitler was at the zenith of his power.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Series: Hitler Biographies

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Smoothly written and splendidly translated, Hitler: Volume II offers a disturbing and insightful portrait of Hitler, presenting him as both chillingly narcissistic and idealistic. Ullrich is praised for his engaging narrative, meticulous research, and ability to provide new perspectives, making this biography an essential and compelling read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099590248

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 February 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Contributors:

  • Translated by Jefferson Chase

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 56.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 214.0mm

Weight: 800g

Pages: 848

About the Author

Volker Ullrich is a historian and journalist whose previous books include biographies of Bismarck and Napoleon, as well as a major study of Imperial Germany, The Nervous Superpower 1871-1918. From 1990 to 2009, Ullrich was the editor of the 'Political Book' review section of the influential weekly newspaper, Die Zeit. On publication in Germany in 2013, Hitler- Ascent 1889-1939 became a top ten bestseller.

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