I just finished Berlin Diary by William Shirer.

[raccoon]

I recommend the book. His style is easy to read. In his capacity as a broadcast journalist in Nazi Germany, Shirer saw so many influential people and gives his opinion about them. He tells of the lead up to war and then the early years of the war. (He left early in the war.)

It is quite interesting – – and somewhat unsettling. As some of it reminds me of things going on now.

[bdtrppr6]

1. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

is surprisingly readable. True journalism. I've been reading it again off/on since the current disaster began and I'm amazed that it's clear and concise, easily understood, especially since it's 1000 pages.

Readable and seems to be a road map for us currently.

[NNadir]

5. That was the first history book I read as a child.

It informed my entire life to realize that insane people in power can cause vast destruction.

The "fly on the wall" descriptions pulled from his research certainly is relevant to these times in the United States, as venal, corrupt people with ever more insane notions ratchet up as they learn with what they can get away.

[OhNo-Really]

2. Wow a flashback. I read that in the 1970's

I think I have read most of his books. Lifelong history buff here. Check out his other books too. Great writer

[longship]

3. "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich"

Also by Shirer. He was sort of out of Edward R. Murrow's stable at CBS Radio.

It's a compendious history. I've never read Berlin Diary. I imagine there will be some duplication though.

However, Berlin Diary was published in 1941 and The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich was published in 1960. The latter covers the entire war and is over 1,200 pages.

[rickford66]

4. I read the Rise and Fall in the 60's.

I doubt a living Republican has ever read it.

[kairos12]

6. I recall reading this after Rise and Fall....

Quite a read. Hopefully, not prophetic.