Adolf Hitler: His Family, Childhood, and Youth

Rating:
Summary: Dry but essential
Review: This is the definitive English-language version of Hitler's early years. It's not as well-written or as interesting as Franz Jetzinger's German-language book on AH's early manhood, but this is good. The book was published in 1966 and is, unfortunately, dated. There has been significant additional material unearthed since the 60's. Another problem is that there are no photos in the book. It would have helped the overall impression had they included photos of Braunau, Leonding and especially, Linz, the Fuehrer's favorite city and regarded as his "hometown."

Smith doesn't write especially well, but his research is dilligent and reliable. Don't expect any fireworks in the style department, but you can be assured of a solid, quality reading experience.