DOC The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: a History of Nazi Germany by william shirer in History

Review

73 of 74 people found the following review helpful. A classic book for students of World War II in EuropeBy J. ChambersI first read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich in high school about 3-4 years after it was published. My best friend had read it; and he pushed his copy on me; urging me to read it too; which I did. My second reading was recently. With more than fifty years between readings; the book came across very differently this time. Since the book was published in 1960; there have been hundreds of documentary and docudrama films made about the rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party; the war in Europe; and the downfall of Germany. There have also been hundreds of books on the subject; many of which I've read. So on my second reading; there wasn't much of the material that I wasn't already fairly familiar with. But in 1960 when the book was published; there wasn't a lot of in-depth material on Germany and the Third Reich. Shirer did a bang-up job of documenting the rise of Hitler and the Nazis from his firsthand view; the road to war; early victories; and the eventual downfall due to the Soviets turning the tide of war in the east; and American and British troops closing the noose from the west.The book was an instant bestseller in 1960; and now; 56 years later; it's still a big seller. Don't be put off by the book's length; it's well worth reading.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. THE definitive account of Nazi GermanyBy Matthew FaulkersonWilliam Shirer wrote the most detailed book on the Third Reich using the documents from said reich. It contains the early beginnings of Hitler's life all the way up to his suicide in the bunker and the aftermath of the final destruction of Germany. Shirer also mentions his personal experiences of viewing Hitler (he was a correspondent) in public and the context of the situations quite well. There is even a small section dedicated to the Holocaust Revisionism aspect which started as soon as the Third Reich's crimes were revealed. Much in the same way that the JFK and 911 conspiracy theories started right after the events occured.Guaranteed to be a great read for anyone interested in WW2 history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For people who want to know how; why and whoBy lfleazarI had heard of Mr. Shirer's book for many years; but had blanched at the length. I got intrigued again when I learned he had been one of "Edward R. Murrow's boys" and had actually been in Europe as an American correspondent during this entire period - from the 20s through the war and aftermath. He points out when he was actually in attendance for certain events; and has done extensive research into the actual documents - telegraph messages; diaries; notes from meetings; news stories; etc. It is an interesting ride. I did get a bit overwhelmed with all the names of the leaders; both in and out of Germany (including the revolving door of Nazi generals); but if you can fight through that; or have a better grasp of the participants than I did; it is a most informative and interesting book. I sure know more now than I did before I read it.