This is a general history of the Hitler era to the 1939 invasion of Poland, and it’s organized chronologically, rather than thematically. Economic, military, domestic and foreign policy, as well as social life and issues in Germany are all part of the story. McDonough covers both Hitler’s public and private life, making some interesting points about what he did to keep them separate, including having few of his close political associates be part of his social set at Berchtesgaden.

I would say the only thing that doesn’t get as much attention as I expected is the backgrounds and activities of Hitler’s inner circle. (This is an observation, not a criticism. There are plenty of books that go into great detail about Göring, Goebbels, Himmler, Hess, Ribbentrop, Bormann, Speer, Heydrich and others. I remember being impressed some years ago by Anthony Read’s The Devil’s Disciples: Hitler’s Inner Circle.)

The chronological presentation, with a mix of political and personal topics in the same chapters, and McDonough’s fluid and accessible writing style give the book an immediacy not often found in history books.

I recommend this to anyone interested in a general history of Hitler and the Third Reich, whether new to the subject or already familiar with the topic. I look forward to the second volume.

Huge history buff here, so I jumped at the chance to read this. Very well done by the author. Very interesting and engaging.