The Nazi Elite de Ronald M. Smelser

The Nazi Elite

Ronald M. Smelser

Rainer Zitelmann

Deborah Tolman

As neo-fascist rumblings are being felt again throughout Europe, it is proper to re-examine the development of the Third Reich and the philosophies of its leaders. The Nazi Elite presents twenty-two biographical sketches of some of the most notorious fascist leaders of the twentieth century: Joseph Goebbels, propagandist extraordinaire; Heinrich Himmler, the director of the infamous SS; Joachim von Ribbentrop, Nazi foreign minister; Rudolf Hess, considered by many to be deputy Fuehrer; Hermann Goerring, Hitler's right- hand man; Martin Bormann; Alfred Rosenberg; Otto Ohlendorf; Ernst Julius Rohm; and many others of the inner circle, including, of course, Adolf Hitler himself.

In a series of highly readable essays, The Nazi Eliteexamines the personalities, histories, and philosophies of these men, dispels common stereotypes, and offers new perspectives. Composed by leading scholars in the U.S. and Europe, many of whom have written definitive full-length biographies on their subjects, these essays shed light on historical controversies, such as the role of modernization during the Third Reich and the basis of Hitler's power as dictator.

The Nazi Elite is illuminating reading for every observer of extremist politics and for anyone interested in the history of our century.

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Leading scholars from Europe and the United States profile twenty-two prominent figures in the Nazi Party and the National Socialist (N.S.) regime. In so doing they address some critical issues concerning these leaders, including their social origins, their experiences in the First World War, how they came to join the Nazi Party, the role played by ideology in motivating them, their relationship with Hitler and with other N.S. leaders, and their historical importance for the National Socialist German Workers' Party and the N.S. regime. Written in a style accessible to the layperson, these profiles reflect the most recent research findings and contain up-to-date bibliographies. They also shed light on some interpretive controversies, including the question of the role of "modernization" during the "Third Reich" and Hitler's role as dictator. In most cases the authors have recently written a full-length biography of their subject or an important work in which the subject figures prominently. Often their profiles shatter common stereotypes and offer new perspectives.