Good books or references for Germany in the early 30's?

[wautd]

Last night there was a fascinating (if only short docu) about the power struggles between the SS and the SA which eventually ended in the assassinations of dozens of high ranking SA figureheads which made Hitler the unquestionable leader after the death of Hindenberg shortly thereafter. (politics aint what it used to be)

I've read a ton of WW2 stuff, but are there any recommendable books/websites that deal with this turbulent period?

[Thanas]

Last night there was a fascinating (if only short docu) about the power struggles between the SS and the SA which eventually ended in the assassinations of dozens of high ranking SA figureheads which made Hitler the unquestionable leader after the death of Hindenberg shortly thereafter. (politics aint what it used to be)

I've read a ton of WW2 stuff, but are there any recommendable books/websites that deal with this turbulent period?

Are you able to read German?

[wautd]

Last night there was a fascinating (if only short docu) about the power struggles between the SS and the SA which eventually ended in the assassinations of dozens of high ranking SA figureheads which made Hitler the unquestionable leader after the death of Hindenberg shortly thereafter. (politics aint what it used to be)

I've read a ton of WW2 stuff, but are there any recommendable books/websites that deal with this turbulent period?

Are you able to read German?

Nein

[Thanas]

That is a shame, since both authors I would recommend (Wehler and Nipperdey) write exclusively in German and the English authors I would feel safe to recommend only cover the period up to 1918. I am afraid I really cannot help you then.

[CmdrWilkens]

That is a shame, since both authors I would recommend (Wehler and Nipperdey) write exclusively in German and the English authors I would feel safe to recommend only cover the period up to 1918. I am afraid I really cannot help you then.

Has anyone gone and tried to do translations of their works?

[Thanas]

That is a shame, since both authors I would recommend (Wehler and Nipperdey) write exclusively in German and the English authors I would feel safe to recommend only cover the period up to 1918. I am afraid I really cannot help you then.

Has anyone gone and tried to do translations of their works?

Yes, but sadly the translations only cover the work up to 1918. Which is a shame, because Wehlers Gesellschaftsgeschichte especially is such a monumental piece of work that even when you disagree with the author, you still have to give credit to him for writing such a magnum opus.

However, I have found a link to an english summary and review. WARNING: PDF


I did include Nipperdey btw because although he only writes up to 1918, his conclusions are radically different from Wehler and therefore are critical to understand the works which oppose Wehler. His books have been translated into English, but I find the quality lacking and the work much shortened.


Other excellent works I remember are Eberhard Kolb: Die Weimarer Republik, Munich 2006, which is a summary of every position held by the historians and a good general introduction with an excellent bibliography.

Also, Heinrich August Winkler has gained a lot of notoriety, with his books Der lange Weg nach Westen I. Deutsche Geschichte vom Ende des Alten Reiches bis zum Untergang der Weimarer Republik, Munich 2000 and his other work Weimar 1918–1933. Die Geschichte der ersten deutschen Demokratie.

I can especially recommend the former book which has been translated into English. Amazon link. Note however that his is one voice, albeit a very influential one and certainly one of my personal favorites.

His book The long road west has become almost an icon with the start:
"In the beginning was the Reich. Everything that divides German history from the history of the great European nations had its origin in the Holy Roman Empire.

So if you can only get one english-language book, get this one. However, note that the price is quite steep - about 70$.