Of American and German parentage, Ernst Hanfstaengl graduated from Harvard and ran the family business in New York for a dozen years before returning to Germany in 1921. By chance he heard a then little-known Adolf Hitler speaking in a Munich beer hall and, mesmerized by his extraordinary oratorical power, was convinced the man would some day come to power. As Hitler’s fanatical theories and … ideas hardened, however, he surrounded himself with rabid extremists such as Goering, Hess, and Goebbels, and Hanfstaengl became estranged from him.
But with the Nazi’s major unexpected political triumph in 1930, Hitler became a national figure, and he invited Hanfstaengl to be his foreign press secretary. It is from this unique insider’s position that the author provides a vivid, intimate view of Hitler—with his neuroses, repressions, and growing megalomania—over the next several years. In 1937, four years after Hitler came to power, relations between Hanfstaengl and the Nazis had deteriorated to such a degree that he was forced to flee for his life, escaping to Switzerland. Here is a portrait of Hitler as you’ve rarely seen him.
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Historical
Written by Hitler’s former foreign press chief Ernst Hanfstaengl, this riveting memoir offers a glimpse into a psyche of Adolf Hitler, a man responsible for dragging half of the world into the most blood-shedding war in history. Part German, part American, Hanfstaengl never seemed to overcome this problem of self-identification: throughout the whole narration he appears to struggle between his devotion to both countries, which eventually led to his downfall in Hitler’s hierarchy. The two men met each other when Hitler was still a nobody, a gifted, even though somewhat shabby public speaker working the sympathetic crowds in the beer halls of München. Initially attracted to Hitler’s enigmatic persona, Hansftaengl soon becomes one of his closest friends and associates. Hanfstaengl introduces Hitler to the influential social circle in the hope to not only restrain his manner but make him into someone more cultural, more open to new ideas, ready for the dialogue and compromise – in short, into someone whom Hitler would never become. As more and more radical characters start surrounding the unstable future chancellor, the more Hansftaengl tries to persuade himself that his presence is even more essential now as he’s virtually the only person who can still sway the future dictator into a correct direction. But as Hitler officially becomes the leader of the state and purges began gaining force, the feebler Hanfstaengl’s hopes become, until he finally realizes that from a close friend he became one of the “undesirables,” someone who needs to be rid of as well. I’ve hardly ever come across such a detailed, intimate historical account. I’d definitely recommend this memoir for all serious history buffs.
Unique view by an early Hitler Insider who defected. A bit self-serving of course. But fascinating.
Not worth reading7
Interesting perspective on the evolution and severe limitations of Adolf Hitler and the terrible people who surrounded him. Worth a read.
Behind the scenes intimate view of the beginnings of Hitler’s twisted rise to power.
This seems to be primarily an attempt to rehabilitate the reputation of an early Nazi supporter. His version of events, in which he often is depicted as attempting to curb the cruelty of the Nazi regime, is highly suspect. If you’re a student of WWII history, it’s worth reading as long as you consider the source.
A German American from a prominent German family is attracted to Hitler and believes for some time that he can influence his views and actions. He becomes a member of Hitler’s circle
He is wrong of course.
The book is filled with snobbery and after he loses Hitler’s attention, many negative descriptions of Hitler. A fair number of these descriptions deal with Hitler’s sexuality
didnt expect to enjoy this as much as I did. fascinating memoir of a character who for all his protestation that indeed Hitler went ‘too far’ in certain areas.( No…really!?) ultimately comes across as pretty much an unrepentant National Socialist. Proof I suppose that education, and sophistication and even first hand experience still dont override naivete. (The kind of a book I expect Roger Stone might write some day ) but the details and minutiae of the rise of the Nazi’s as seen from the inside is fascinating and actually made this odd memoir a real page turner
None
Thought the book was about Hitler – not the author!
Gives a side of Hitler that I haven’t heard before. Improves my insight into how, if not why, events transpired. Gripping.
Insight into the thought process of mad men surrounding a mad man Adolf Hitler.
This is a true story of someone who was close to Hitler and had to flee for his life. I am fascinated by World War Ii and this was an interesting addition to my reading about that time. Highly recommend this book.
Helps understand the period
Odd collection of whimsical recollections by someone who “knew” Adolph Hitler. There just isn’t anything here that surprised me or even informed me.
A difficult read because it had been translated from German to English. I didn’t have enough history background to understand a lot of it but it was an interesting read
Interesting information about Hitler between the wars. Many names were hard to keep track of, and language usage was stilted and strange.
A fascinating look at the inner workings of Hitler’s rise to power from a unique perspective. Excellent read if you have any interest in Hitler and the Nazis.
Another chilling insight into the mind of an absolute madman! The scary thing is, it can still happen today if we let our guards down!