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The "Hitler Myth"

Image and Reality in the Third Reich

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The "Hitler Myth"

By: Ian Kershaw
Narrated by: George Cunningham
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About this listen

Few, if any, 20th-century political leaders have enjoyed greater popularity among their own people than Hitler did in the decade or so following his rise to power in 1933. The personality of Hitler himself, however, can scarcely explain this immense popularity or his political effectiveness in the 1930s and '40s. His hold over the German people lay rather in the hopes and perceptions of the millions who adored him.

Based largely on the reports of government officials, party agencies, and political opponents, Ian Kershaw's groundbreaking study charts the creation, growth, and decline of the "Hitler myth". He demonstrates how the manufactured "Fuhrer-cult" served as a crucial integrating force within the Third Reich and a vital element in the attainment of Nazi political aims. Masters of the new techniques of propaganda, the Nazis used "image-building" to exploit the beliefs, phobias, and prejudices of the day. Kershaw greatly enhances our understanding of the German people's attitudes and behavior under Nazi rule and the psychology behind their adulation of Hitler.

©1987 Ian Kershaw (P)2021 Upfront Books 20th Century Europe Germany Military Modern War

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All stars
Most relevant
Kershaw gives us another engaging and serious insight into one of history’s darkest periods. The narration isn’t half dramatic though. I know it’s tragic material but I think it would help if it was a little dryer.

Good Book. Dramatic Narrator.

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The narration is really bad. The narrator tries to emphasise, but does so at the wrong times, and at times it is like he is reading a script for the first time with no knowledge of the next sentence

Ruined by very poor narration

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Despite reservations I got the book and I listened almost to the end but I did not learn anything new I'm sorry to say because I know how good a writer is Ian kershaw is. It was all very vague. We know the nazis created a myth around Hitler. I don't like criticising but I can't see the point of the book

What's new to say about Hitler

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Just ghastly. Will have to buy the physical book as the narrator here is too distracting.

Breathless atonal emphases. Seemingly no interest in the subject 😒. Where is an editor when you need one?

Did Kershaw approve of this narration?

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I can't imagine what possessed George Cunningham to give such a preposterous reading of this fine work by Sir Ian Kershaw. His melodramatic, declamatory performance is delivered in a frenetic and perpetually high register more appropriate to a political speech or the commentary on a horse race. It's extremely distracting and made me want to give up in the first moments. However, I persevered as the book is a brilliant piece of work which deserves one's attention - however painful it is to listen to. I can't imagine the author has ever listened to this idiotic rendition of his work, or I am sure he would have asked Audible to remove it.

An excellent book, spoiled by terrible reading!

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