The SS was the terror of Europe. Swearing eternal allegiance to Adolf Hitler; it infiltrated every aspect of German life and was responsible for the deaths of millions. This gripping history recounts the strange and; at times; absurd true story of Hitler's SS. It exposes an organization that was not directed by some devilishly efficient system but was the product of accident; inevitability; and the random convergence of criminals; social climbers; and romantics. Above all; this eye-opening book describes in fascinating detail the chaotic political conditions that allowed the SS-despite rivalries and bizarre conditions-to assume and exercise unaccountable power.
#1215338 in Books 2015-01-27 2015-01-27Format: International EditionOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.80 x 1.30 x 5.10l; 1.88 #File Name: 0141038942720 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. An amazing story of success under pressureBy CustomerFirst class. Holistic look at the personalities; process models; cultural; class; technologies and successful modus operandi which evolved very quickly when Britain's basic survival was at least as endangered as right after Dunkirk. An amazing story of success under pressure. The writing is acceptable; the research astounding; but the soaring breadth sets it apart from the usual niche history books being written today.9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. For Patrick O'Brian readersBy Robert G. RyanOf the cottage industry that has grown up around the Patrick O'Brian Master and Commander series; this book; though maybe not intended to be so; is the best I've seen. It's a little dry and technical at times; but if you want to stand on the quarterdeck with Captain Aubrey and Steve Maturin and see the world as they saw it; this book will get you there.For anyone impressed with the gigantic American mobilization effort in WW2; as in Maury Klein's "A Call To Arms"; the British faced an even bigger existential threat from Napoleon. Where the Americans simply outproduced everyone; the British had to invent from scratch the ways and means to defeat an enemy much more powerful than themselves. The book is a behind the scenes look at how the British managed to accomplish this; and by doing so; create the template for the modern world.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. very detailed;concise and very readableBy Betty Smiththe book presents the extraordinary efforts made by the British to defeat Napoleon in conjunction with its on/off allies.The book's value lies in the description not of campaigns and battles but in the politics;economics and finances needed to support the Navy and the various armies.It clearly indicates the folly of attacking Russia leading to Napoleon's defeat in Europe.
