The `Hitler Myth': Image and Reality in the Third Reich

The personality of Hitler himself can hardly explain his immense hold over the German people. This study, a revised version of a book previously published in Germany under the title Der Hitler-Mythos: Volksmeinung und Propaganda im Dritten Reich, examines how the Nazis, experts in propaganda, accomplished the virtual deification of the Führer. Based largely on the reports of government officials, party agencies, and political opponents, Dr Kershaw charts the creation, growth, and decline of the 'Hitler Myth'.

Review :
'a book which should be read by everyone interested in the history of 20th-century Europe. Together, Kershaw's two monographs [The Hitler Myth and Popular Opinion and Political Dissent in the Third Reich] provide perhaps the most revealing study available of popular opinion in Nazi Germany.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'Professor Kershaw's book is not only important for an understanding of the Third Reich, but it underlines the dangers inherent in modern political image-building and in the temptation to succumb to charismatic forms of leadership in times of crisis.' Times Literary Supplement 'Much of what Kershaw has been known for some time ... The value of his present book is that his information is now presented comprehensively and chronologically ... It also encompasses many aspects of the subject not previously known.' History 'Kershaw writes with clarity, imagination and authority.' Catherine Merridale, Journal of European Studies 'a very useful book to have on the shelf, especially for an English-language readership' Michael H. Kater, York University, Toronto, The English Historical Review 'immensely readable study ... The value of his present book is that this information is now presented comprehensively and chronologically from the 1920s through to the dark days of defeat in 1945.' John P. Fox, International Affairs 'Kershaw's is an immensely readable study' John P. Fox, Jewish Chronicle 'based on very detailed research ... As well as adding to our understanding of the rise of Hitler, this book demonstrates the success of techniques for marketing a political image.' Sunday Times 'Kershaw's is an immensely readable study of how the German people and Nazi Germany received and reacted to the "Hitler myth" propagated by the Nazi party.' John P. Fox, Jewish Chronicle 'a brilliant exploration of the success of the Nazi propaganda machine' Keith Brace, Birmingham Post 'outstanding study ... this book will no doubt remain for many years the definitive statement on leader worship in the 'Hitler State'' History of European Ideas 'Kershaw's work offers us an excellent scholarly appraisal of political mobilization, highlights the nuances and ambiguities that many scholars struggle to avoid and asks questions concerning political integration, which have been and still are not totally answered. Holocaust and Genocide Studies Thoroughly researched, The Hitler Myth is an erudite work.' Canadian Jewish News