About 20 years ago, I read an older translation of this biography. Then, as now, a reader cannot help but be impressed by the thorough and meticulous scholarship that went into its preparation. Because of its size and scope (900+ pages), it may be somewhat daunting to new readers who may be just now encountering Bonhoeffer. However, given the nature of his literary output (Bonheoffer was still a young man when he died, and many of his ideas exist only in limited or underdeveloped forms), this in-depth look at the man and his motivations by the individual who probably knew him best is essential to an informed understanding of his work. For Bonhoeffer admirers, it doesn't get any better than this.

Eberhard Bethge was Dietrich Bonhoeffer's closest friend and the lifelong editor and interpreter of his life and writings. For the first time we now have the completely unabridged biography in a revised and updated English translation. This is not only a classic of twentieth century biography; it also addresses key issues not only of German and European history, World War II, and the Holocaust but also, through Bonhoeffer's theology, the church and modernity. It sharply poses the question of authentic Christian life. A big book and a challenging read!

In this work, Bonhoeffer's student and friend brought me closer to Bonhoeffer than I thought possible. Previously, I had thought Letters and Papers From Prison was as close as I could get to understanding the "religionless" Christian -I was wrong. Bethge's opus gives an incisive look into the formation of Bonhoeffer the man and the theologian which sheds more light on his Christian fortitude in the Nazi tempest. I whole-heartedly recommend this work for it has been an inspiration to me as a human being as well as a student of theology

I read this book because I found Lukacs's *Five Days in London: May 1940* so compelling. I was not disappointed, and recommend *The Duel* enthusiastically and without hesitation. Lukacs's way of writing history is wonderfully magisterial. Especially to be appreciated are two complementary gifts: an eye for small significant details and their patterns (as when Hitler's and Churchill's ways of getting up in the morning are contrasted), and a grasp of the big picture (really an asset when something as colossal as the Second World War is under examination). Lukacs's mind is at once a microscope and -- not a telescope (which is really only a microscope aimed at a large distant object instead of a close small one), but, if you will -- a *macroscope*. The result of their combination here is a history rich with significant detail and sweeping visions.

Prospective readers should be aware that Lukacs is more than a conventional historian narrating the past. He is also a philosophical historian -- not in the sense that he discusses theories of historiography, but in that for him, history has meaning, and is not merely one damned thing after another. Your appreciation of *The Duel* will inevitably be affected by the degree to which you find his ruminations insightful or ponderous. Philosophical history is not for everyone. Some readers might even be put off by being told that "we are all national socialists now." (p. 223) But if you have the taste for it, as I do, you'll find much food for thought here, and even some wisdom.

The volume is well edited, though I, for one, would prefer genuine footnotes to the hard-to-decipher endnotes found here. Lukacs writes with incisiveness and wit. The volume includes an interesting bibliographical essay of some interest.

Tells the story of the background of the two men. A very interesting and very informative book. Was not expecting much when I got it, but it turned into a fascinating and well-written history lesson.

I had the pleasure of reading the short, succinct, well-written history, 5-Days in London, by Lukacs, just last week. Great book, but lacked some "context" of what was going on around the main characters at the time. Even though I am a history buff. Fortunately, Lukacs previously wrote The Duel, which gives an idea of the interplay of that year between Hitler & Churchill. Lukacs really puts you right into the minds of these two individuals, in that year & earlier, and is extraordinarily successful in making you understand what "set of facts" each had before him, what "set of principles" each operated with, to make decisions in a stressful time. Read this.

Edith Stien was a Jew who in the 1920's of Germany converted to Catholicism and then became a nun much to the dismay of her orthodox mother. Those who are have heard of Edith Stien know that ultimately she was martyred in Auschwitz because of her outspokenness against the Nazi's as well as the fact that the Catholic Church in occupied Holland was the only large church organization willing to preach against the nazi regeim.

What must people don't know about Edith Stien was what an incredibly couragous and brillant woman she was even long before she was martyred. As this book tells the story , often in her own words and in the words of those that were close to her, she was a college professer, philosopher, and political activist at a time when a professional woman was at best a grade school teacher or nurse. Even as a nun she worked on her philosophy and her writing.

Waltraud Herbstrith does an excellent job portraying the complete Edith Stien, Her faith Her family and her intellect. An excellent book.

I consider this a "must read" for anyone interested in great women in history. The spiritual insights, life story, and heroic sacrifices of this brilliant woman, who was both a Jew and a Carmellite nun are amazing. Look closely at the cover art, as my interpretation was that Edith Stein possessed the "ear of God." The only complaint I have is the print was far too small. If it comes in a large print edition, you might be wise to order it. My eyesight is fairly normal.

This book is an excellent introduction to the life and thought of Edith Stein (St. Theresa Benedicta). Waltraud Herbstrith presents a biography that encompases the philosophical, spiritual, and personal aspects of her subject with great care. I came away from this book with a true appreciation for Edith Stein, in particular her writings on women and her deep love of God.

I really like how this author has woven a story out of the several strands - of Edith's own writings - of others who have written about her - of the history of the Jews in Germany - and of the life and times of Adolf Hitler as it affected Edith's life and that of millions of Jews and Christians. The author has braided together some wonderful connections that set Edith's life in the context of her times and of our times. I found special joy in these connections because I have read almost all of the sources - primary and secondary - separately - and it is good to see them woven together with spiritual meanings. This book now holds a place of prominece on my Edith Stein shelf of books.

Maria Scaperlanda's book on Edith Stein provides those unfamilar with this fascinating, modern Saint with a great introduction to her life and thought. The reader will be able to follow Edith Stein on her passionate life journey, sustained by her desire to find truth, first pursued in philosophy and finally completed in her embrace of Catholicism and life as a contemplative, Carmelite religious. Although there are various books about Edith Stein on the market, Maria Scaperlanda's work is the best work to provide the reader with an introduction to Edith Stein and guide the reader on to further works on the Saint with an excellent bibliography. Edith Stein's life and work should be studied by all those who seek meaning and truth (not only Catholics), especially in our current post-modern, relativistic culture that so vehemently denies absolute truth. This book is also an excellent choice as spiritual reading for Christians desiring to study the life of a contemporary Saint.

In her book, Maria Scaperlanda attempts to unfold the the complex figure of Edith Stein/St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The author gives us "snapshots" of the feminist, philosopher, Carmelite and saint. Ms. Scaperlanda not only tells us Edith's story, she also interweaves it with the story of others who died in the Shoah,(including Edith's family)while locating it within its historical context. Ms. Scaperlanda also includes a section on the Jewish/Christian controversy surrounding this saint. She is to be admired for going where others fear to tread in this regard. She is also to be congratulated for making Edith Stein assessible to the average American reader. If one is looking for a book on phenomenology, this book will disappoint, however, if one is seeking to learn more about the multi-dimensional personality of Edith Stein, the reader will be rewarded. The author includes an extensive bibliography for those who wish to dig deeper into the study of this remarkable woman.

Mr. Vacarro did a great job here, his pictures are telling and touching. Recommended for those who are into the occupation of Germany.

Tony Vacarro first entered Germany as an infantryman in December, 1944. Unlike other GI's, he carried a camera along with his rifle. He processed his film in army helmets and hung the wet negatives to dry on the branches of trees. Later, he worked as a photographer with the occupation forces. His stark and arresting black and white images follow the course from the liberation of Germany through the occupation, reconstruction and eventual return to a tentative peace in 1949. This book provides unexpected insight, through the eyes of a sensitive and individualistic observer, into a crucial period in 20th century history. Many of the pictures are truly unforgettable - especially the moving portrait of a dead GI in the snow of the Ardennes forest (p.4-5), the view of the mountains from Hitler's retreat at the Berghof (p. 68-69) and the quirky, humorous shot of the soldier with German children at Tempelhof Airport (p. 188-189) which sums up in a single image the magnitude of the rapprochement between Americans and Germans. "Entering Germany" is a very impressive achievement, and is strongly recommended.

Having lived in Germany in the late 70's, I saw the results of its "economic miracle." I often wondered though, as I drove down streets of Frankfurt or Berlin, what it looked like right after WWII. Well, this book delivers just that. It is a photo-journalistic treasure of post-war Germany and about what it endured (and one might say rightly so.) Each photo tells a story that can go on for hours. If this period of history interests you, you will not be disappointed. Interestingly, it was published in Germany.

WWII is an interesting but sad topic. Many books have been written about it. This, Mr. Ottenheimer's book, is a combination of most of them. As a native of Konstanz, Germany, he gives us very accurate information about the living condition before and during the coming crisis. He could escape to the USA shortly before Germany invaded Poland. Later he returned as a member of the US Army. This gives him the unique possibility to see the war from both sides. He wrote about everything you could imagine: Life in pre-war-Germany, war-refugees in the USA, military training, military engagement in Europe and even about his relation with people from the old continent. Living in Switzerland (I just got 20), very close to Konstanz, it was very interesting to read about that nearby town. Too many things have never been said. I would recommend that book to everyone to read for it is unlike any other auto-biography. It reads so easily like a novel (not too difficult for foreign speakers neither). You hardly can put it away, it is so captivating.

Mr. Ottenheimer has written an extremely insightful book about the events leading directly up to the Holocaust, the Allies drive to push Nazism out of Europe at the end of the war, and the restoration of normalcy in Europe after the war - all events that the author experienced first hand. The book also reflects upon how this era is addressed in the schools and teachings in Germany today and even parallels events of that era to world politics in our era. This book is extremely well-written and easy to read. I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in history.

Escape and Return is the memoir of a life defined by the tragic, great force of World War II and the Holocaust. Written in a direct, chronological style, Fritz Ottenheimer's story takes you through a dark period in human history while taking you through his own life; a life filled with the tragedy of families and communities decimated, but also with triumphs, love and, yes, laughter. While not attempting to be an exhaustive study of WW II or the Holocaust, Mr. Ottenheimer's book has plenty of direct, first-hand information on everything from pre-war life in small German towns, to his own personal experience as a U.S. soldier assigned to Germany at the moment of Nazi defeat;the irony of his return a mere 6 years after fleeing Hitler and setting to the job of "de-Nazification" of his prior homeland is a riveting and deeply moving story.

While the title of the book is Escape and Return, there are actually more "returns" in later years as Fritz Ottenheimer returned on his own personal journey to the town and land of his birth,where he was welcomed back and invited to tell his story to a new generation as well as his ongoing efforts for personal reconciliation. This book,(which has also been published in Germany) reads like an oral history, suitable for adults and teens(paired with the Ann Frank story as supplemental readings for WWII history) who want to learn more about this "black hole of history." (Ottenheimer's words.)

If you are remotely interested in WW2 German Military Uniforms you will find this book very interesting and worthwhile. If your interest is more serious then this book is a must have. The authors have put together an outstanding collection of modern day photographs of fully dressed German Soldiers. World War Two is broken down into different sections: '1939-40 The Blitzkrieg Years','1941-From Crete to Moscow', '1942-The Last Victories', '1943-The Turning Point', '1944-Setbacks on all Fronts', '1945-The Last Stronghold'. The actual quality of the photographs is excellent. The way the subjects modelling the uniforms are presented is excellent. The attention to detail is excellent. As a reference for uniforms and equipment of this period, this book is superb. I have only read the book as a passing interest and have been captivated by the detailed photographs. They may have been a fascist regime and guilty of starting a war, but it must be said, the German Soldier certainly had the smartest uniforms of all combatants. I have no doubt, modellers and military enthusiasts will treasure this book. Highly recommended.

If you are an enthusiast about World War two from the German perspective, this book is a must! The authors have compiled the largest collect to date of modern day pictures of original German uniforms and the related equipment. The pictures are not only great but the written compilation that goes with it is excellant. You will not be disappointed even though the cost is very steep.

This books is a must for WWII buffs. The pictures are of men dressed in the correct German uniforms and equiptment used by each of the divisions and are in full color. A detailed description on each uniform is included. Just GREAT !

I've read many books about the panzers in WWII. They have many useful information inside them. But they all had old black&white photos and some of them were really bad. But this book is great. It doesn't have so many information,the written things are known by many WWII fans. But what makes this book a 5 star treasure is the pictures. Who doesn't want to see Tigers, Panthers, King Tigers, Jagdpanthers and many more in colorful high quality pictures. The photos are taken from museums and collectors all around the world. When you are looking at the pictures you'll feel the real power of the Panther's 75mm gun and smell its gasoline and hear the roaring engine.

German Tanks of World War II in Color is not an exhaustive study nor does it try to be. However, weighing in at only 96 pages, it contains a surprising amount of information. The book is organized into four chapters: light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks and support vehicles. All of the main panzers and armored fighting vehicles are discussed as well as their variants. The text is readable and informative. Text boxes add depth to the book by discussing tank anatomy, panzer division anatomy, weapon definitions, and color schemes. What truly makes this book unique are the color photographs of restored vehicles from museums and private collections around the world. The photo on the front cover is indicative of the eye-candy that awaits you inside. Recommended!

This book packs a lot of information into its 96 pages. It's possible to find books on German Armor that have more detail, but not at this price. Brief but useful development histories are complemented by scores of high quality color photographs. Each of the Panzer series (I through VI) is featured, including most of the important variants (Tank destroyers and self-propelled artillery pieces). There is even a chapter on amored cars, halftracks, and reconnaissance vehicles. The text is good, but it is the photographs that set this book apart. Vintage snaps are coupled with shots of restored vehicles from museums and private collections around the world. I would recommend this book to modelers and history buffs alike.

Fritz Fisher "Germany's War Aims in the First World War" dwells on the tremendous amount of material collected primarily from the archives of the Central powers. It deals with one topic, and deals with it in methodical and exhaustive manner - a continuation of policy of War Aims of the Imperial Germany during the period immediately preceding and throughout the First World War. Germany, only united within the memory of the generation of 1914, was fighting the war not only for its rightful place as a European Great Power, but for a leading, pre-eminent place in the European and by extension the World balance of power. Germany was aiming to displace Britain as a traditional power broker in Europe, unite Austria-Hungary and other Central European powers in the economic and geo-political unit known as MittleEuropa, dominate Russia on its Eastern border and France on its Western. Bethman-Hollweg's (Chancellor for most of the War) vision of the post-war World was Germany dominating continental Europe, and 4 Great Powers (Germany, Britain, USA and Russia) sharing the World. France was to be eliminated as a World Power, Britain as a traditional European Power broker, and Russian desires for the warm sea port of Constantinople and expansion into Persian Golf to be forever denied.

Fisher shows an incredible tenacity, determination and consistency of the War Aims policy from 1914 until 1918. Clearly Germany is to be primarily blamed (perhaps together with Russia) for the outbreak of the war; but once the war started her aims never waived. Germany's War aims were essentially annexationist, aggressive and thriving for world dominance. With France she strived to no less then for elimination of that country as a Great Power, with Britain via annexation of Belgium, to deny it security of an external border and expel it from Europe; and with Russia to annex Poland and Baltic States and thus ensure future economic dependency. One can perhaps argue that by historical irony all this came to fruit after two world wars and 90 years of world conflict; but the verdict is clear that Germany was prepared and carried its policy to the bitter end without much regard of international law, civil liberty, conventions of honor and without much sense of humanity.

Fisher points out that essentially autocratic country, with under-developed democratic institutions, with traditions of Prussian militarism, sense of manifest destiny thriving for world dominance, sense of inferiority and ambiguity about its present position - all those complex causes united in German public opinion almost uniformly supporting the War effort and its government aggressive policies. When the end came, sense of betrayal, disappointment and failure catalyzed the war generation to create the seeds for the second conflict 20 years later.

Fisher's sources are primarily diplomatic correspondence, circular dispatches, minutes of the conferences of military and political leaders, speeches and such. The book is careful to use almost exclusively primary sources; thus ensuring accuracy and lack of bias. All throughout, there is a tremendous care taken by the author not to pass judgment and thrive towards the historical objectivity. It is perhaps a somewhat dry read, but, in my view, essential to understand the motivation of policy which God granted not ever to materialize.

Fischer's works regarding Germany and the First World War is a must for anyone interested in the events and decisions leading up to 1914 and for anyone interested in historiography. When Fischer unleashed this book in 1961, it created a tidal wave in the German historian community. Germany's Aims... challenged traditional views regarding the origins of the First World War and developed conclusions that were devastating to the reputations and memories of individuals and an entire nation.

The traditional view regarding the causes of the Great War, as explained by prominent German historians on the subject like Gehard Ritter, was that the leaders of Germany felt surrounded by the allied nations and thus entered the war for defensive reasons. Most historians outside of Germany agreed that Germany was not the sole culprit of 1914. The "guilt clause" in the Versailles Treaty is still almost universally condemned. Through an exhaustive study of documents out of Germany, Fritz Fischer comes up with a different--and shocking--conclusion: Germany was to blame.

Here are a few of the ways Fischer drew his conclusion: (1) Fischer considered the authoritarian nature of German society that allowed military forces to take over. (2) He looked at the economic situation that pressed German leaders to seek more annexations or, rather, a "place in the sun" (a Marxian approach not used by more traditional historians). (3) He regarded Chancellor Bethmann-Hollweg (a man with plenty of apologists) not as a man who wanted to limit the war, but as a product of the forces who aimed at world power status for Germany. (4) Most importantly, Fischer discovered the "September Memorandum" which spelled out the minimum war aims of the German civilian leadership (to overrun France and spread German power eastward by weakening Russia).

Fischer earned many critics because of his work. One weakness is that Fischer only studied German documents. To be fair, a similar exhaustive examination of the archives of the other belligerents would be an impossible task for any one historian. Fischer's work needs to be seen as a starting place not as a final assessment. The ramifications of this study on Germany are clear: it's obvious Germany was the most to blame for WWII. Having to also accept blame for WWI would be a hard pill to swallow.

What were Germany's aims in WWI? WWII has completely overshadowed the first war in our classrooms. This work may seem a little much, but it will give one a sense of the causes of German aggression in one complete source.

In 'The Goebbles Diaries, 1942-43,' we are given a glimpse into the mind of Nazi Germany's genius of propaganda and one of Hitler's most trusted lieutenants. These diaries shed light on the Nazis view of Churchill, Stalin and all the other central figures of the era. Goebbels also tells us of the anger he and other leading Nazis felt over the defection of Italy to the allied camp, dealing with the devastating allied air raids, and the fear and anxiety over the revearses on the Eastern front. Unfortunatley, these pages don't give us as clear a view of Hitler as one would hope and passages dealing with the Holocaust are few and far between. In all, Goebbels presents himself as a champion of National Socialist ideals who is loved by Germany and respected by his enemies. What one really sees is the almost ridiculous opptimism that Goebbels held through these years of struggle. It is surprising just how firm was Goebbel's conviction that victory was certain. Those interested in the Third Reich should read Goebbel's diaries as it is a rare look into this troubled time written by one of it's greatest criminals.

Dr. Joseph Goebbels was one of the most influentual and feared persons in the Third Reich. With strong influence on Hitler he managed to control virtually every important activity in the Reich. His diary undoubtably shows an extremely unscrupulous man, prepared to risk anything to achieve his beliefs (the tributes that are usually linked to Machiavelli could find even more proper place here). But he has done his homework well. He brilliantly understood the meaning of propaganda and its real influence on masses and he devised the methods to use it to all extent. We can read from his point of view how he was sailing in the dangerous seas of internal and international affairs and though his style of writing and thinking are not very nice due to his immense mental brutallity, we must admit that he was very succesful at what he was doing. Pure efficiency. It is very nice to learn something about a man who wrote history not so far ago, although it could be deadly for many among us. The understanding of his thought and point of view allows us to see the WWII in somehow another perspective. It must prepare us for actions to prevent such events from happening in the future.

I have to say that this isn't a 5-star work because of the writing, the criterion I normally use when dishing out parts of galaxies. It's because I think the book should be read by anyone wanting to gain a glimmer of understanding into what became one of the most powerfully focused minds in the last century. Regardless of the pros and cons of Goebells being allowed to retain even honorary posthumous citizenship of an Earth he seemed bent on destroying, it is enlightening to read the words he set down. Obviously they were never intended to be seen by the likes of you or me, let alone those in power, who later had a chance to peruse them at their leisure. If only the good (sic) doctor had known.

Anyway, following this gentleman of uncertain disposition down the path to what must have been close to madness (he must have had to stave madness off quite madly) and what was, an untimely death (in more ways than one), is an exercise that all students of human nature will finally be glad they chose to do. After all, he was only a man, like you and me, and I think that comes through quite plainly in his own words.