The Devil's Disciples

The Devil's Disciples examines Hitler's inner circle during the Nazi regime, focusing on Hermann Göring, Joseph Goebbels, and Heinrich Himmler. Through extensive research and primary sources, Anthony Read reconstructs the complex power dynamics and relationships between these key figures. The book traces their individual paths to power, from their early lives through their rise in the Nazi Party hierarchy. Read documents their roles in implementing Hitler's policies and their constant competition for influence and authority within the Third Reich. The narrative follows these three men as they shape the machinery of state and participate in the major events leading up to and during World War II. Their personal lives, ideological beliefs, and administrative decisions are examined against the backdrop of Nazi Germany's expansion and eventual collapse. The work reveals how personal ambition and ideology combined to enable the implementation of catastrophic policies, demonstrating the impact of individual actors on historical events. Through these biographical portraits, Read illustrates the complex human dynamics that can facilitate the rise of authoritarian systems.

Readers praise Read's detailed research and accessible writing style in examining Hitler's inner circle. The book succeeds in showing how these key Nazi figures interacted and competed with each other rather than focusing solely on Hitler. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex power dynamics - Individual biographical details of each figure - Coverage of lesser-known aspects of Nazi leadership - Strong organization and flow between subjects Common criticisms: - Too much basic WWII background information - Occasional repetition of facts - Lack of new revelations for knowledgeable readers - Limited coverage of some figures like Speer Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (386 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (168 ratings) "Reads like a political thriller" notes one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads review states it "brings these terrible men to life without sensationalizing them." Several readers mentioned it works well as an introduction to Nazi leadership but may be too basic for WWII scholars.

Inside the Third Reich by Albert Speer A first-hand account from Hitler's Minister of Armaments provides insight into the Nazi leadership's inner circle from 1933-1945.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer This detailed chronicle of Nazi Germany combines the author's personal observations as a journalist in Berlin with captured Nazi documents.

Hitler's Circle of Evil by Martin Kitchen The book examines the power struggles and relationships between Hitler's top lieutenants through documentation and historical records.

The Last 100 Days by John Toland The narrative reconstructs the final months of Nazi Germany through accounts from both Allied and German perspectives.

The Coming of the Third Reich by Richard J. Evans The text traces the Nazi party's ascent to power through German society, politics, and institutions from 1919 to 1933.

🔹 Many of the original documents Anthony Read consulted for "The Devil's Disciples" were previously classified, offering new insights into the power struggles between Hitler's top lieutenants Göring, Goebbels, and Himmler. 🔹 While researching the book, Read discovered that Hermann Göring had secretly attempted to contact Winston Churchill through intermediaries in 1940 to negotiate peace between Britain and Nazi Germany. 🔹 Author Anthony Read served as Head of Drama at the BBC, producing numerous historical documentaries before becoming a full-time writer focusing on World War II history. 🔹 The book reveals that Joseph Goebbels initially opposed Hitler's appointment as Chancellor, keeping detailed diary entries about his skepticism before becoming one of his most devoted followers. 🔹 Heinrich Himmler's personal letters, used extensively in the book, show him as a loving family man who would write tender notes to his daughter while simultaneously organizing mass murder as head of the SS.