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I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.
Very thorough and well written timeline of Hitler and his life. I greatly enjoyed how the chapters were separated by subject, making it very easy to find exactly what you were looking for.
Wonderful research tool.
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Thank you to Net Galley for this e-copy of Exposing the Reich by David Harper in exchange for a honest review.This is a very well researched book that details Hitler’s rise to power and answers many questions including how was Hitler able to enact his terrible plans for the Jews any other outcasts.From his humble roots as a poor painter in Austria and Munich to the height of his power ,this book explains and answers many questions of how a country could be deceived by a madman, Perfect for history buffs like me.
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Exposing the Reich looks at a highly interesting yet dark period in twentieth century European history. David Harper provides a highly accessible book that delves into exactly how Hitler managed to "captivate" the nation of Germany. The structure and language of the book makes it easy for the everyday reader to understand the complicated realities of post ww1 Europe that led to the Nazi socialist party gaining power and the growth of the third reich. However, where Harper's book falls is in its research. While comprehensive study has occurred, it is obvious that Harper, (despite his familial connections to the war as mentioned in the author's note) is not a historian and as such, the analysis fails to go further than surface level. He relies heavily on secondary sources, and thus renders the credibility of the book. What primary sources he does use, he doesn't truly use to further any profound analysis. So while, this book may be a well-written passion project and while it certainly has its merits for those everyday readers who want to become more acquainted with this period and figure in history, I would not necessarily recommend this book to those who are looking for something a bit more academic.
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Exposing the Reich presents a history of Hitler and the history of the Nazi Party in Germany. The book is best described as a chronological history of the man and the movement. It is a great introduction and primer to both of these topics, written in a way that would encourage readers to think deeply about the impact and causes of the Third Reich and Adolf Hitler. The title may be a bit misleading, if "Exposing" is anything but illuminating the history of these subjects. A reader may not walk away feeling that there was significant depth to analyzing the reasons for Hitler's success among the party and the German citizens. There is nothing here that talks about the social psychology behind the movement, nor is there any detailed sections looking at the contradiction between supporting someone who called for the creation of a master race on one hand and the extermination of a different race on the other.
The best section of the book was the "Additional Perspectives" that covers a lot of ground, and could have been expanded to be the true focus of the book. It details the issue of women in the Third Reich, along with topics like how involved the regime was in occult beliefs. It was nice to see Eva Braun get fair dues in the book.
The closing section brings the book full circle to present day, with an overview of Neo-nazi movements. While the Third Reich may have been out of existence for around 80 years, it's clear in Harper's work that it still haunts minds today. In one sense, it is good, for it helps us to learn and be vigilant. It does raise caution, though, vigilance is needed with rhetoric at the level it is.
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This exceptionally well written and clearly presented account explores a number of facets of Hitler’s rise to power. In seeking to answer the question as to how Hitler appeared to win over the population of Germany, the author explores the historical context and the strategies used by the Nazi party and its leader. Drawing on well respected sources, the author is meticulous in providing backing for his position.