Books Like...
William L. Shirer's 'The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany' is an exhaustive examination of the Third Reich, tracing its origins from the aftermath of World War I to its complete destruction in 1945. Shirer, a former correspondent in pre-WWII Germany, provides a detailed account of how the German people turned to supporting a radical political party in response to their government's ineffectiveness. The book covers the intellectual and philosophical inspirations behind the Third Reich, the near-miss assassination attempts, and the inner workings of the Nazi regime, offering a comprehensive look at this dark period in history.
If you liked The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany, here are the top 100 books to read next:
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Save:Once, at the dawn of a very dark time, an American father and his daughter found themselves suddenly transported from their snug home in Chicago to the heart of Hitler's Berlin. In 1933, William E. Dodd became America's ambassador to Germany amidst Hitler's rise to power. Dodd and Martha, his daughter, initially sympathized with the Nazi's, downplaying the violence against Jews. Throughout most of the book, readers are shown a detailed look at Germany in 1933-1934 through the experience of Ambassador Dodd, a university professor from Chicago. Larson weaves together a very particular kind of story about the Dodd family and 1930s Hitler in Germany, showing the chilling story of William Dodd, Ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937.
Now chairman of the history department, Dodd had been a professor at the university since 1909, recognized nationally for his work on the American South and for a biography of Woodrow Wilson. He was s... - #2
Save:'The Guns of August' by Barbara W. Tuchman is a detailed account of the events leading up to and the first month of World War I. Tuchman's writing style brings to life the complex strategies, political maneuvers, and military tactics of the nations involved in the conflict. Through vivid descriptions and thorough analysis, she captures the personalities and decisions of the historical figures, providing a clear understanding of the chaotic and pivotal period of August 1914.
THE GENESIS OF THIS BOOK LIES IN TWO EARLIER books I Wrote, of which the First World War was the focal point of both. The first was Bible and Sword, about the origins of the Balfour Declaration issued... - #3
Save:'The Coming of the Third Reich' by Richard J. Evans dives into the complexities of the political and social landscape of Germany during the rise of the Nazi regime. Evans provides a detailed account of the Weimar Republic's failings as a democracy, shedding light on the economic hardships, political intrigues, and societal divisions that paved the way for Hitler's ascent to power. Through a masterful narrative, Evans explores the ideological roots of the totalitarian regime, from the Bismarckian Empire to the tumultuous Weimar years, showcasing the gradual erosion of democratic institutions and the rise of authoritarian forces.
Evans presents a compelling analysis of how the Nazi Party capitalized on the discontent and disillusionment prevalent in German society, promising a utopian vision of a racially united Germany. The author challenges misconceptions about the Nazis, highlighting the party's anti-socialist stance and the support it garnered from specific segments of the German population. By delving into the historical roots of Fascism and Nazism, Evans offers a nuanced perspective on the events leading up to the Nazi regime, emphasizing the importance of understanding the societal conditions that allowed such a government to come into power.
This book is the first of three on the history of the Third Reich. It tells the story of the origins of the Third Reich in the nineteenth-century Bismarckian Empire, the First World War and the bitter... - #4
Save:'The Splendid and the Vile' by Erik Larson delves into Winston Churchill's first year as Prime Minister during the Blitz, a period where Hitler relentlessly bombed England, causing massive disruption and death. Larson closely examines Churchill's life during this challenging time, portraying him as a leader trying to hold his country together amidst the chaos of war. weaves together personal, political, and historical aspects, giving readers an insight into living in a country under constant bombardment and showcasing Churchill's determination to never surrender.
THE CARS SPED ALONG THE Mall, the broad boulevard that runs between Whitehall, seat of Britain’s government ministries, and Buckingham Palace, the 775-room home of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, ... - #5
Save:Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen E. Ambrose is a compelling historical account of the famous 101st Airborne division in WWII. The book follows the journey of Easy Company from their training in Camp Toccoa to their involvement in key battles such as Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, and the capture of Hitler's Eagle's Nest. Ambrose expertly portrays the bond and camaraderie among the men of Easy Company, highlighting their triumphs, tragedies, and the transformation from ordinary soldiers to heroes. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Ambrose paints a comprehensive picture of the division and the 120 men of Easy Company, making it a history worth reading and knowing.
The book captures the essence of the 101st Airborne division and specifically Easy Company, showcasing their bravery, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to each other and the mission. Ambrose's narrative delves into the personal stories of the men, their training, battles, and the challenges they faced during WWII. Readers are taken on a journey from the training camps in the U.S. to the front lines in Europe, experiencing the highs and lows of war through the eyes of the soldiers. Through interviews and diaries of the surviving men, Ambrose brings to life the experiences of Easy Company, offering a poignant and insightful look at the realities of war and the extraordinary bonds forged in the heat of battle.
At first light on June 7, Captain Hester came to see Winters with a message. "Winters," he said, "I hate to do this to you after what you went through yesterday, but I want E Company to lead off the c... - #6
Save:'In the Balance' by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where an alien invasion interrupts the conflict on Earth. The story explores how humans from different nations come together to resist the alien invaders, leading to a fragile alliance between major combatants. Turtledove weaves a tale of how lives on both sides are changed by this unprecedented world war, showcasing a fascinating scenario of human-alien cooperation and conflict.
The plot of 'In the Balance' is conceptually brilliant, featuring a thought-provoking premise of aliens with advanced technology invading a less developed Earth during World War II. The story is engaging, with a heavy emphasis on character development and intricate plotlines that keep readers hooked. Turtledove skillfully blends historical accuracy with sci-fi elements, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of cooperation, prejudice, and the impact of alien invasion on humanity.
Fleetlord Atvar strode briskly into the command station of the invasion fleet bannership 127th Emperor Hetto. Officers stiffened in their seats as he came in. But for the way his eye turrets swiveled ... 'Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin' by Timothy Snyder delves into the harrowing history of mass killings in Eastern Europe between 1933 and 1945. It vividly portrays the atrocities committed by both the Nazi and Soviet regimes on ordinary people in regions like Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltic States. Through meticulous research and detailed accounts, Snyder sheds light on the deliberate policies of mass killing, starvation, executions, and deportations that resulted in the deaths of millions of civilians. weaves together individual stories with historical events, offering a comprehensive and chilling narrative of the horrors that unfolded in the bloodlands between Moscow and Berlin.
Nineteen thirty-three was a hungry year in the Western world. The streets of American and European cities teemed with men and women who had lost their jobs, and grown accustomed to waiting in line for...- #8
Save:'The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl' by author Timothy Egan is a gripping narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of families and communities during the Dust Bowl era in America. Egan brilliantly captures the catastrophic events of blinding black dust blizzards, crop failures, and the struggles of individuals to survive through the darkest years of the Depression. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the resilience and hardships faced by the stoic men and women who braved the relentless dust storms and economic turmoil, painting a poignant picture of a devastating environmental and human tragedy.
Egan's writing style in 'The Worst Hard Time' has been praised for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and the ability to humanize the characters who lived through the Dust Bowl. not only provides a historical account of the era but also offers insights into the political, environmental, and societal factors that contributed to the disaster. By focusing on personal narratives and intimate details, Egan brings to life the struggles, sacrifices, and courage of those who endured the unimaginable challenges of the Dust Bowl, making it a compelling and informative read for anyone interested in American history.
THEY HAD BEEN on the road for six days, a clan of five bouncing along in a tired wagon, when Bam White woke to some bad news. One of his horses was dead. It was the nineteenth-century equivalent of a ... 'A People's History of the United States' by Howard Zinn presents American history through the eyes of the marginalized and oppressed, such as indigenous peoples, slaves, women, workers, and the poor. Zinn challenges the traditional narrative of American history by highlighting the struggles and perspectives of those often overlooked in mainstream historical accounts. The book provides a comprehensive and alternative view of historical events, offering a critical analysis of the foundations of the United States and shedding light on lesser-known rebellions and movements that have shaped the nation.
Zinn's writing style in 'A People's History of the United States' is described as engaging, readable, and well-sourced. Readers find the book to be informative, eye-opening, and thought-provoking, as it delves into the darker aspects of American history that are often omitted or sugar-coated in traditional textbooks. Through detailed accounts and historical facts, Zinn offers readers a different perspective on key events and figures in American history, encouraging critical thinking and a reevaluation of commonly held beliefs about the nation's past.
Arawak men and women, naked, tawny, and full of wonder, emerged from their villages onto the island’s beaches and swam out to get a closer look at the strange big boat. When Columbus and his sailors c...- #10
Save:'Ordinary Men' by Christopher R. Browning delves into the atrocities committed by the German police unit in occupied Poland during World War II. It explores the psychology of ordinary middle-aged conscripts who were coerced into committing heinous acts against mostly peaceful Jewish civilians. Browning meticulously examines the transformation of these men from initial horror to eventual willingness to participate in mass killings, shedding light on the complexities of human behavior under cultural and authoritarian pressures. Through extensive research and interviews, Browning presents a compelling narrative that challenges readers to confront the capacity for evil within seemingly ordinary individuals.
In mid-March 1942 some 75 to 80 percent of all victims of the Holocaust were still alive, while 20 to 25 percent had perished. A mere eleven months later, in mid-February 1943, the percentages were ex...
