The "Hitler Myth": Image and Reality in the Third Reich

An excellent and well researched account of the rise and fall of Hitler's 'legend'. Showing how Hitler's 'myth' was as much a creation of the Nazi party as he was creator of it. Kershaw describes how Hitler achieved or was raised, mainly by astute propaganda, to almost godlike status in the eyes of many Germans, though not all. A position present day politicians can only dream of in today's hyper exposed social media world. Hitler had the kind of celebrity that is only now seen in entertainment circles and that is of course only to a limited body of fans. Kershaw believes that in 1939 - 1940 Hitler after a series of diplomatic and military successes, began to believe in his own invincibility and mythical status.He also illustrates that Nazi Germany was not the monolithic Jew hating fascist state of popular imagination but had many disparate strands of opinion not of course freely voiced though. and that anti Nazi attitudes increased as the totalitarian state became ever more repressive afterthe war against USSR ran into difficulties and the promised victories did not materialise.

This is a highly readable and incisive book on a highly complex topic. The ‘myth’ of Hitler as understood by Kershaw is the disconnectedness between the workings, ideology and policies of the Nazi state and the perception by many citizens of what they thought he really stood for and his ultimate aims. So if many citizens had doubts or misgivings about the party, those feelings or inclinations did not often extend to the Fuhrer himself. But how was this done? Read this book and find out.The tragedy for Germany was that Hitler was not concerned with economic regeneration except as a way to political dominance, military strength and geographic expansion. The German elites, the middle classes and sections of the working classes could accept Hitler as a means to readdressing the perceived inequities of the Versailles Treaty and as a stabilising influence after the turmoil of the Weimar years. What is so interesting, is that the concern for Lebensraum and the Jewish as central tenants of Hitler’s ultimate policy objects were for many citizens very much a secondary issue when compared with the economy and matters at the front. Of course, by the time that democracy was curtailed in Germany, rights of expression, political and labour organisation and religious work all became subject to the control of the Party and Hitler’s will,it was all too late.I would have liked a little more on the role of propaganda- radio, rallies, newsprint and film. Also more on Geobbels and his role in ‘marketing’ the leader. Apart from that, this book wins the reader over by its light but scholarly tone, its well-structured approach and the clarity of writing.Highly recommended.

the book is very detailed concerning a person who was very ruthless.

This book is a serious, academic study. Deeply researched and extremely thorough, it is not an 'easy read'. Footnotes abound and there are acronyms and initials everywhere; thankfully indexed at the back. This book requires that the reader either has very secure knowledge surrounding the Third Reich, or is prepared to stop regularly to read around the subject elsewhere in order to get 'up to speed' with the content. Entertainment it is not. Instead it is packed with detail, sublimely argued and will leave most readers with a changed and informed vision regarding Hitler. Reading this book may well adjust how you view present day politicians and the media too.

Easy to follow while being full of a detailed analysis of every point made. I used it for additional research during my AS study of World War Two, and it greatly added to my existing knowledge of events, as well as giving a different perspective of events. I also used it for my EPQ on Hitler, explaining his rule. This greatly helped explaining and giving evidence for the Hitler Myth, in addition to all those involved.A great read for wanting to understand more about Nazi Germany, but equally as detailed for academic use.

Absolutely outstanding - far easier to read than I expected. Compelling and extremely pertinent to today's European crisis and slow swing to the right. The Nazis really invented modern political propaganda and must have had the satanic rights to their use in slowly but very slowly and carefully re-shaping Germanic thinking.

Necessary coursework.

Nice read but I need it as I didn't do the history course.