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The Last Days of Hitler and the Third Reich
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The Last Days of HitlerThe Last Days of Hitler by H. R. Trevor-Roper
Buy new: $12.21 / Used from: $7.99
A good narrative but now quite out of date. It lacks the input of inner circle members who were locked up in the east at the time this book was published in 1947. The author did cure that problem somewhat with the third edition in 1956. Furthermore, the author does deserve credit for being the first to write a detailed western account of Hitler's last days (which countered the Soviet propaganda).
The BunkerThe Bunker by James P. O'Donnell
Buy new: $16.65 / Used from: $6.00
This book takes a journalistic approach. To his credit, O'Donnell interviewed many more people then previous authors. He admitted in the prologue he was not a historian. He was criticized as he used a reporter's subjective judgment and intuition when he scrutinized statements. When the book came out in the late 1970's it was a great work on the subject but now is dated.
The Murder of Adolf Hitler: The Truth About the Bodies in the Berlin BunkerThe Murder of Adolf Hitler: The Truth About the Bodies in the Berlin Bunker by W. Hugh Thomas
Buy used from: $0.50
The Murder of Adolf Hitler' is the re-published title of the book: 'Doppelgängers: The Truth about the Bodies in the Berlin Bunker.' It has some interesting conspiracy theories, speculation and conjecture. In the end it makes for good fiction reading or as the author states, 'surmise'.
The Death of Hitler: The Full Story with New Evidence from Secret Russian ArchivesThe Death of Hitler: The Full Story with New Evidence from Secret Russian Archives by Ada Petrova
Buy new: $12.78 / Used from: $1.59
The authors, Petrova and Watson, deserve credit for being the first to investigate and write a book based on the Soviet archives. They gained access to the "Operation Myth" files, but not the final dossier, file no. 462a put together for Stalin and now known as "The Hitler Book." They also tend to rely heavily on O'Donnell's book, "The Bunker" which is now dated.
Cassell Military Classics: The Last Days of Hitler: Legend, Evidence and TruthCassell Military Classics: The Last Days of Hitler: Legend, Evidence and Truth by Anton Joachimsthaler
Buy new: $9.95 / Used from: $1.52
A more objective compilation on the subject of Hitler's last days in the Bunker. This book offers a careful re-examination of the evidence, myths and inaccuracies. It includes testimony given at West German Federal Court that lasted from 1952 to 1956 as to Hitler's death.
Until the Final Hour: Hitler's Last SecretaryUntil the Final Hour: Hitler's Last Secretary by Traudl Junge
Buy used from: $33.95
A memoir from 1942 to 1945 as one of Hitler's private secretaries. She typed his Hitler's last will and testament. The book shows the private side of Hitler and his inner circle. She was present in the Führerbunker and describes the events. She also heard the shot in which Hitler ended his life. An interesting read. A main source for the movie 'Downfall'.
Inside Hitler's Bunker: The Last Days of the Third ReichInside Hitler's Bunker: The Last Days of the Third Reich by Joachim Fest
Buy new: $11.90 / Used from: $0.50
The book is easy to read. It offers a good overview as a compilation work on the subject. However, it is not as detailed as several others nor is it foot-noted as to its sources for events discussed or views expressed.
Hitler's Death: Russia's Last Great Secret from the Files of the KGBHitler's Death: Russia's Last Great Secret from the Files of the KGB by V.K. Vinogradov et al
Buy used from: $6.75
Certainly not the last word on this subject as the title claims. The book is a compilation of the early (and now known to be incomplete) SMERSH investigation. The book is written with a clear Russian bias but has nice reproduction's of interviews, maps, photos, and reports.
The Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal AidesThe Hitler Book: The Secret Dossier Prepared for Stalin from the Interrogations of Otto Guensche and Heinze Linge, Hitler's Closest Personal Aides by Henrik Eberle
Buy new: $12.44 / Used from: $2.51
The Soviet point of view is reflected time and again. On the plus side, the only one to have full statements of Hitler's most personal aides, Linge and Gunsche. The Hitler Book is the complete full dossier of the USSR's second secret investigation (Operation Myth) done for Stalin.
With Hitler to the End: The Memoir of Hitler's ValetWith Hitler to the End: The Memoir of Hitler's Valet by Heinz Linge
Buy new: $16.47 / Used from: $9.95
The memoir by Hitler's personal SS Valet. Linge sets out his ten years (1935 to 1945) with Hitler that is shown through anecdotes and observations. He recounts his time as a part of the inner circle that ultimately was cut off from much of the harsh realities of the "outside world" and details Hitler's last days in the bunker. The book is well written and easy to read.
The Leibstandarte IV/1 (Vol 4)The Leibstandarte IV/1 (Vol 4) by Rudolf Lehmann
Buy new: $64.00 / Used from: $49.99
It covers the weeks and months from November 1, 1943 to October 25, 1944. It begins with the defensive fighting in the Ukraine, USSR and ends with the fighting on the Westfront around Aachen. The book shows how the division really was used like a "fire brigade" being shifted from the Eastfront to the Westfront as the Reich was pushed towards defeat.
The Leibstandarte IV/2The Leibstandarte IV/2 by Ralf Tiemann
Buy new: $55.00 / Used from: $49.88
A detailed book that focuses both on the men and battles the Leibstandarte were engaged in. This volume (the fifth and last in the series) covers the fighting from the Battle of the Bulge through the last days in Berlin (including the Reich Chancellery and Führerbunker). Thereafter, it ends with the surrender of the division and captivity.
Soldiers of the Leibstandarte: SS-Brigadefuhrer Wilhelm Mohnke and 62 Soldiers of Hitler's Elite DivisionSoldiers of the Leibstandarte: SS-Brigadefuhrer Wilhelm Mohnke and 62 Soldiers of Hitler's Elite Division by Thomas Fischer
Buy used from: $104.50
The first 52 pages are a biography of Brigadefuhrer Mohnke that includes the Battle of Berlin, Hitler's death and the break out from the Berlin Bunker. Rare photos, copies of awards and certificates included (along with biographies of other members of the Division).
Bloody Streets: The Soviet Assault on Berlin, April 1945Bloody Streets: The Soviet Assault on Berlin, April 1945 by A. Stephan Hamilton
Buy used from: $82.62
A great (detailed) single volume on the Battle for Berlin. Divided up into four sections: Prelude, Battle, Aftermath, and Appendices A-D (with the Order of Battle). Starting with Chapter 5 it covers day by day fighting. It includes the events at the Fuhrerbunker and breakout. There are a few errors in editing/spelling and photos as presented but still a highly recommended book.
The Death of Adolf HitlerThe Death of Adolf Hitler
Buy new: $17.99 / Used from: $10.50
January 1973 British TV production. The production is cheap, has choppy edits and scenes. It is filled with simplistic 'wooden' portrayals and puts forth a blatant agenda shown in contrived scenes throughout. Hitler is one dimensional and over the top in presentation. The worst of 'the Bunker' films.
Hitler: The Last Ten DaysHitler: The Last Ten Days
Buy new: $13.49 / Used from: $6.95
1973 Film. Hitler is basically a one dimensional character (once again) in presentation; his dialogue is generally made up of cobbled together verses from his speeches. At the end there is a fictional 'soap opera' turn of events as Eva Braun and Hitler commit suicide.
The BunkerThe Bunker
Buy new: $9.98 / Used from: $4.50
The Mini-Series is not as graphic or realistic as 'Downfall' but remember it was for network TV in 1981. Anthony Hopkins' portrayal is good overall showing different interaction. However, dramatic effects are still present. The film doesn't have all the major players but does include Dr. Morell and scenes of his treatments/injections. The film has some inaccuracies but overall it holds up well.
DownfallDownfall
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $4.25
The best and most recent 'Bunker' film. Much more graphic and realistic then the other three films. Events are shown from different points of view. The portrayal of Hitler is the most balanced and least prone to dramatic effects. Most of the major players are shown but Bormann is too weak and Dr. Morell is missing. Still 5 Stars overall.