A comprehensive new biography of Hitler focusing on the dictator's personality. The historical significance of Adolf Hitler has overshadowed the man behind the public persona. For decades, misconceptions about Hitler have percolated, but to cast Hitler as purely a psychopathic monster is to ignore the facets of his personality that help explain his enigmatic hold on the German populace. Ullrich recounts Hitler's personal journey from childhood to his consolidation of political power, and in doing so captures Hitler's canniness, instinctive grasp of politics, and gift for oratory as well as his megalomania, deep insecurity, and repulsive worldview.

"A Borzoi book"--Title page verso. "Originally published in Germany ... copyright 2013, S. Fischer Verlag GmbH, Frankfurt am Main"--Title page verso.

The young Hitler -- The Vienna years -- The experience of war -- The leap into politics -- The King of Munich -- Putsch and prosecution -- Landsberg Prison and Mein Kampf -- Führer on standby -- Dark star rising -- Hitler and women -- Bids and bluffs -- Month of destiny: January 1933 -- Hitler as human being -- Totalitarian revolution -- Eviscerating Versailles -- Cult and community -- Dictatorship by division, architecture of intimidation -- The Berghof Society and the Führer's mistress -- Hitler and the churches -- Prelude to genocide -- The way to war.