First of all, the biography aims to serve as a study of Hitler's power. I tried to answer two questions. The first was how the phenomenon of Hitler was possible. How could this bizarre misfit come to power in Germany, a modern, complex, economically and culturally advanced state?

The second was how Hitler exercised power. He undoubtedly had extraordinary demagogic abilities combined with a knack for confidently identifying and ruthlessly exploiting his opponent's weaknesses. However, he was an uncouth self-taught individual with no experience in governance.

Hitler was unlike anyone else. The unique character of Hitler undeniably influenced critical developments in an indisputable way. If instead of him as Chancellor of the Reich, there had been Göring, for example, he would not have acted in a similar manner. We can certainly state that without Hitler, history would not be the same.

Excerpt from the author's preface

Iconic... anyone who wants to understand the Third Reich must read Kershaw, as no one has revealed to such an extent the malignant psyche of Hitler. Niall Ferguson, Sunday Telegraph

The definitive biography of Hitler. Sunday Times

For today's generation, Kershaw's Hitler stands out like a bright beacon of truth, illuminating a dark period of terror and falsehood. Mail on Sunday

An outstanding achievement. Financial Times

It surpasses all previous works. An exceptional biography that only a distinguished historian could write. Observer