Hitler at Home

As a historian myself, I recently had the pleasure of being introduced to Associate Professor of Architecture (University of Buffalo, SUNY) Despina Statigakos' excellent new book on Adolf Hitler, a work viewed from a perspective that is at once compelling and unique in its scope & intent. This new work follows the highly interesting previous work titled ‘A Women's Berlin: Building the Modern City’ (ISBN: ISBN-10: 0816653232, 2008).Although the former Reichskanzler has been the subject of an almost infinite number of books and intensive analyses (both scholarly and popular) it is quite surprising that, apart from Albert Speer's close association with the Hitler Regime (as arguably portrayed in his book), there have been no definitive works attempted that have cast light on the profound importance that Hitler's 'personal' surroundings played in the development and conduct of his affairs and activities (both personal and state).Further, and perhaps almost of equal importance, there have been few such investigations that have focused on the influence of key women involved in the Third Reich within that context. In 'Hitler at Home', Ms. Stratigakos skillfully brings out the prominent role Frau Professor Gerdy Troost (colleague and widow of husband Paul Troost) played in the design and construction of internal living areas and accommodations frequented by Hitler (i.e. via Atelier Troost) during his years in power. Consequently, such dwellings as the Munich apartment frequented by Hitler, the favored Berghof (on the Obersalzberg) and other sites (such as the Chancellery) have been wonderfully examined in some detail, providing rare glimpses into aspects of those dwellings heretofore not covered by others.With remarkable insight, Stratigakos skillfully examines the importance of Troost's subtle influence on Hitler and in so doing also provides a most fascinating and unusual glimpse both into the mind and personality of this interesting woman and the German Leader himself.Although accompanied by a wealth of documentation and references, what is perhaps most remarkable about Statigakos’ book is that fact that she has managed to construct a strikingly readable work that is, as the old saying has it, ‘hard to put down, once started’; I found myself looking forward to each fascinating chapter with keen anticipation, from start to finish.Lest anyone reflexively think that this book serves in any way as a thinly disguised paean to one of the most contentiously regarded figures in recent history, I was drawn to Stratigakos’ opening remarks in which she notes that her mother, when advised of her daughter’s intent to write this book (and who was herself a victim of Hitler’s excesses during the war), admonished her daughter to ’…not make him look good.’I am happy to report that Professor Statigakos has done exactly that and has produced a balanced, even-handed and superbly objective book that definitely belongs on the reference book shelf of any serious student of the Second World War and 20th Century history.She has further introduced us to yet another remarkable woman of that period who has until recently been little regarded or considered in the male-dominated chaos of that momentous era. You will enjoy this book!

The study of Hitler domestic persona both in reality and in propaganda is well researched, fascinating and made such an entertaining but also grim read. I'm particular glad to read about the Atelier Toost. The house for decorative arts that Hitler's personal taste struck and bound with. Little know history that he was surprisingly obsessed with architectures and decorative arts, especially on his own household and office domains.I'm mad however at the the condition of the book that I've received. The paper headband is torn about an inch and worst of all, after reading some pages, the pages started to fall apart from the spine!!! It has been bound terribly that much is obvious. So the price tag doesn't respond to this terrible condition of this book at all.

Incredible research and attention to detail--a true scholarly in depth look into the life at Hitler's mountaintop retreat the Berghof. We meet the brilliant Gerdy Troost, wife of famous architect Paul Troost. Hitler chose Gerdy Troost to spearhead the entire architectural transformation of the original house to become the famous Berghof. Well written with insightful anecdotes and stories.

Upon discovering this book I was very excited.Upon receiving it, and reading it, I was even happier. The book is packed with information (most of which I have never read previously) and all related to a largely ignored aspect of Hitler's rise to power, and his later control of power.The early Hitler was perceived as a thug, loud-mouth, and trouble-maker.Then, as this book details, through a deliberate campaign of misinformation, Hitler was shown in numerous books, articles, and other media in his various well-appointed homes. Certainly, THIS Hitler could not be a thug, loud-mouth, and trouble-maker? Right? The man in the artful images came across as wholly the opposite of his public perception.And the public was, thus, fooled.This type of misinformation campaign continues today with politicians. For example, before George W. Bush ran for president, a Texas ranch was purchased, and images were taken of Bush riding horses, wearing a cowboy hat, and being presented in a manner intended to appeal to voters — all in far contrast to the real man, who grew up surrounded by wealth and privilege. (Ronald Reagan also owned a ranch, but he purchased this many many years before running for president.)So, the horror of Nazi Germany is not just a horror from long ago. Fooling the public is today very much alive and well, in all countries, America, too, and this books offers lessons for us all: be careful who you vote for; be careful of the distinction between propaganda and reality.My only complaint with the book is the small format. I yearned for larger images.

A truly excellent, fascinating book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the topic.Stratigakos casts a clear, searching light on the use of domestic architecture in the construction of Hilter’s public persona and raises uncomfortable questions about the avid - andall too often uncritical - consumption of this mythology, then and now.

El libro excedió mis expectativas..Excelente la calidad de las fotografías de las residencias. Algunas las tenía vistas, pero otras no.

A very unique insight to a historical figure.Would recommend.

A very good book indeed, especially for those interested in Haus Wachenfeld/The Berghof and Hitler's Munich apartment. The book's title, whilst to the point, gives the impression of a book about a 'pipe & slippers' Hitler but don't be put off by the title as the book is far more detailed than that.

Very good book