The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi GermanyThe Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany
Score Classic
What it's about
William Shirer was an American journalist who reported from Berlin in the 1930s, and after the war he gained access to the captured archives of the Nazi government. Drawing on both, he tells the full history of Nazi Germany: Hitler's rise from obscurity, the collapse of German democracy, the road to war, the conquest of Europe, the Holocaust and the regime's final destruction in 1945.
Why it's worth reading
Since 1960 it has been the classic one-volume history of Nazi Germany, read by millions and winner of the National Book Award. It's gripping, comprehensive and a warning that never stops feeling relevant.
You'll love it if you liked
Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945
The Making of the Atomic Bomb
Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War EraGood to know
It's over 1,100 pages, and some of its interpretations have been revised by later historians, but it remains essential. The Holocaust chapters are harrowing.
By the numbers
- Readers83 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics84 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller76 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #10 of the 198 history books we rank
- #15 of the 762 classics we rank
- #48 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story
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Quick answers
Is The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany worth reading?
Yes. Since 1960 it has been the classic one-volume history of Nazi Germany, read by millions and winner of the National Book Award. It ranks #48 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 89.2 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany about?
William Shirer was an American journalist who reported from Berlin in the 1930s, and after the war he gained access to the captured archives of the Nazi government. Drawing on both, he tells the full history of Nazi Germany: Hitler's rise from obscurity, the collapse of German democracy, the road to war, the conquest of Europe, the Holocaust and the regime's final destruction in 1945.
How long does it take to read The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany?
About 31 hours (1249 pages), or about 9 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What awards has The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany won?
National Book Award (Nonfiction) winner (1961).
What should I read after The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany?
If you liked it, try Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 by Tony Judt, The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes or Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James M. McPherson.