The author is particularly adept at describing the byzantine plot twists of Weimar politics that first brought Hitler to the point of political oblivion by 1928 ... The depiction of the self-destruction of German democracy makes for sober reading. Range does not break any new historical ground, and periodically he makes broad assertions that, though attention-grabbing, are of questionable historical value. For example, it is unlikely that many historians would accept the assertion that the Nazi party was a 'smoothly running political machine' ... Despite a few missteps, Range exhibits a deft hand at keeping track of the multiple plot lines of German politics. This will be of interest to readers of his previous book and those looking for more insight into the beginnings of Hitler’s rise to power.
... rigorously detailed and dramatic ... Range’s lengthy and fine-grained descriptions of the clandestine meetings and palace intrigues during late 1932 and early 1933 may be daunting for general readers, but he writes with verve and expertly mines German sources for telling details about the major players involved. This exhaustive account will enlighten even dedicated readers of WWII history.
... lively ... Every reader beginning this lucid, provocative history will want to know how such a fringe character with views abhorrent to educated citizens could become a national leader ... A lucid account of a spectacular if disheartening success story.
