📖 Overview
Norman Ohler is a German journalist and author best known for his 2015 non-fiction work "Der totale Rausch" (published in English as "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany"), which examines the widespread use of methamphetamine and other drugs in Nazi Germany during World War II.
Before his breakthrough with "Blitzed," Ohler wrote several novels including "Die Quotenmaschine" (1995), one of the first German novels published on the internet. His journalism has appeared in major German newspapers and magazines including Der Spiegel and Die Zeit.
"Blitzed" became an international bestseller and was translated into over 25 languages, bringing to light new research about drug use among Nazi leaders and the German military. The book drew both praise for its groundbreaking research and some criticism from historians regarding its interpretations.
Ohler's most recent work, "The Bohemians" (2020), explores the German resistance movement during World War II, focusing on Harro Schulze-Boysen, Libertas Schulze-Boysen, and their anti-Nazi network in Berlin.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Ohler's clear writing style and ability to uncover overlooked historical angles, particularly in "Blitzed." Many note his skill at making academic research accessible through narrative storytelling. Reviews highlight the extensive primary source documentation and fresh perspective on Nazi Germany.
Common criticisms include claims of sensationalism and overemphasis on drugs' role in historical events. Some academic readers point out methodological issues and question certain conclusions.
On Goodreads:
- "Blitzed": 3.9/5 from 13,000+ ratings
- "The Bohemians": 4.1/5 from 1,200+ ratings
Amazon reviews average 4.3/5 across his works.
Specific reader comments:
"Reads like a thriller while being rigorously researched" - Amazon reviewer
"Sometimes stretches evidence too far to fit his thesis" - Goodreads review
"Opens up new understanding of the period through a fascinating lens" - Library Thing user
The books attract both history enthusiasts and general readers interested in WWII.
📚 Books by Norman Ohler
@Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany (2016)
Historical examination of drug use in Nazi Germany, focusing on methamphetamine consumption among soldiers and Hitler's personal drug dependencies.
Der totale Rausch (2015) German-language original version of "Blitzed," detailing the role of drugs in the Third Reich.
Die Gleichung des Lebens (2017) Novel following a programmer's investigation into artificial intelligence and consciousness.
The Living Are Few, the Dead Many (2019) Account of anti-Nazi resistance fighters Harro Schulze-Boysen and Libertas Schulze-Boysen based on historical documents.
Höllentrip (2019) German-language crime novel about a taxi driver who becomes entangled in Berlin's criminal underworld.
Die Kreuzung (2001) Novel set in New York exploring themes of technology and human connection in modern society.
Stadt des Goldes (2002) Story of a young German's experiences in Shanghai during the city's rapid development.
Mitte (2001) Novel about Berlin's transformation in the post-reunification period of the 1990s.
Der totale Rausch (2015) German-language original version of "Blitzed," detailing the role of drugs in the Third Reich.
Die Gleichung des Lebens (2017) Novel following a programmer's investigation into artificial intelligence and consciousness.
The Living Are Few, the Dead Many (2019) Account of anti-Nazi resistance fighters Harro Schulze-Boysen and Libertas Schulze-Boysen based on historical documents.
Höllentrip (2019) German-language crime novel about a taxi driver who becomes entangled in Berlin's criminal underworld.
Die Kreuzung (2001) Novel set in New York exploring themes of technology and human connection in modern society.
Stadt des Goldes (2002) Story of a young German's experiences in Shanghai during the city's rapid development.
Mitte (2001) Novel about Berlin's transformation in the post-reunification period of the 1990s.
👥 Similar authors
Antony Beevor writes military history with focus on World War II, combining archived documents with first-hand accounts. His books explore the human experience within major battles and military campaigns, similar to Ohler's approach to wartime narratives.
Ben Macintyre specializes in espionage history and wartime intelligence operations, using declassified documents and personal interviews. His work reveals hidden aspects of World War II and Cold War operations, uncovering stories of individuals operating in secret.
Peter Fritzsche examines everyday life in Nazi Germany through personal letters, diaries, and contemporary documents. His research illuminates how ordinary Germans experienced the Third Reich, complementing Ohler's investigation of drug use in Nazi Germany.
Richard J. Evans provides comprehensive analysis of Nazi Germany's rise and fall through examination of primary sources and official records. His work combines social history with political analysis to understand how the Third Reich functioned at multiple levels.
Christopher Clark investigates European history with emphasis on Germany and Prussia, using detailed archival research. His books examine the complex political and social factors that shaped major historical events, particularly in early 20th century Europe.
Ben Macintyre specializes in espionage history and wartime intelligence operations, using declassified documents and personal interviews. His work reveals hidden aspects of World War II and Cold War operations, uncovering stories of individuals operating in secret.
Peter Fritzsche examines everyday life in Nazi Germany through personal letters, diaries, and contemporary documents. His research illuminates how ordinary Germans experienced the Third Reich, complementing Ohler's investigation of drug use in Nazi Germany.
Richard J. Evans provides comprehensive analysis of Nazi Germany's rise and fall through examination of primary sources and official records. His work combines social history with political analysis to understand how the Third Reich functioned at multiple levels.
Christopher Clark investigates European history with emphasis on Germany and Prussia, using detailed archival research. His books examine the complex political and social factors that shaped major historical events, particularly in early 20th century Europe.