At the age of twenty-four; in 1913; Adolf Hitler was eking out a living as a painter of pictures for tourists in Munich. Nothing marked him in any way as exceptional; but he did possess certain distinguishing characteristics: a capacity to hate; an inability to accept criticism; and a massive overconfidence in his own abilities. He was a socially and emotionally inadequate individual without direction; from whence came a sense of personal mission that would transform these weaknesses and liabilities into strengths—certainties that would provide him not only with a sense of identity; but of purpose in a communal enterprise. This is the focus of Laurence Rees’s social; psychological; and historical investigation into a personality that would end up articulating the hopes and dreams of millions of Germans.(With 16 pages of black-and-white illustrations)
#41293 in Books Tom Holland 2007-06-12 2007-06-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; .97 #File Name: 0307279480464 pagesPersian Fire The First World Empire and the Battle for the West
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Accessible History of Persian-Greek ConflictBy Ambrose RankinGood accessible history of the rise of the Persian Empire and its wars with Greece. Holland tells the story from both the Greek and the Persian perspective - which makes for an interesting read. The prose was a little stiff at times - I found myself having to reread a few paragraphs after getting lost. Overall though; a worthwhile read for anyone interested in a popular history of very interesting events. We meet all the main characters and major battles in a concise narrative.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Couldn't stop readingBy John ZmirakMore of Holland's engaging; gripping writing that puts you in the mind of the participants in history; insofar as that's possible. A triumph of empathy; research; prose.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. He does a great job in telling the story of the world's first ...By Ben MonaghanI didn't know what to expect when I bought this; but having studied the Greeks and wanting to know more about the Persians; I took a flier. Skip the introduction. It feels dated. But as for the book... he handles the material well and really keeps the story moving in an entertaining way. Even though I read much of the source material (at least the ancient Greek texts); Holland gives you a view from the forest - a birds eye view of antiquity and events. He does a great job in telling the story of the world's first democracy.
