Book description
The Nazi regime was essentially a religious cult, relying on the
hypnotic personality of one man, Adolf Hitler, and it was fated to die
with him. But while it lasted, his closest lieutenants competed
ferociously for power and position as his chosen successor. This deadly
contest accounted for many of the regime's worst excesses, in which
millions of people died, and which brought Western civilization to its
knees.
The Devil's Disciples
is the first major book for a general readership to examine those
lieutenants, not only as individuals but also as a group. It focuses on
the three Nazi paladins closest to Hitler - Goring, Goebbels and Himmler
- with their nearest rivals - Bormann, Speer and Ribbentrop in close
attendance. Others who were removed in various ways - like Gregor
Strasser, Ernst R-hm, Heydrich and Hess - play supporting roles.
Perceptive and illuminating, The Devil's Disciples
is above all a powerful chronological narrative, showing how the
personalities of Hitler's inner circle developed and how their
jealousies and constant intrigues affected the regime, the war, and
Hitler himself. Anthony Read became a full-time writer after a
successful career in television production. He has co-written a number
of books with David Fisher, including several about Germany and the
Second World War. This is his first major book as sole author.
