Voices from the Third Reich: An Oral History

by Johannes Steinoff, Peter Pechel, Dennis E. Showalter

A major historical document, this book contains interviews with more than 150 Germans who witnessed, participated in, or resisted the rise of Adolph Hitler. The testimony comes from well-known figures like Manfred Rommel and Helmut Kohl; former soldiers and ordinary civilians; and victims of the criminal policies of the Nazi regime. Haunting and extraordinary tales of horror, courage, grim determination, and moral confusion fill these pages. Voices from the Third Reich takes the material of epic history and presents it in the form of the individual human experiences of men, women, and children subjected to the pressures of total war in a fascist state.


More than 150 Germans contributed to this fascinating oral history of the Second World War, which gives first-hand accounts of what it was like to watch and participate in the rise of Hitler, to endure the peril of the seas in a U-boat, to fight and watch men die, and to suffer through bombings at Dresden and Hamburg.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Oral History

512 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always hard with oral histories to know how much is fact, how much embellishment, and how much misremembered whether intentionally or not. Still, this was really fascinating to read the different viewpoints of those who lived in and through this time.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

first book read which covered the personal events of the German public and military. Not enough oral history of occupation.

[Jonathon McKenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar example of oral history. Less narrative than Svetlana Alexeivich's work, and much more sweeping and comprehensive. Not a quick read by any means, but incredibly readable at the same time. Parts drifted into too much granular detail about military tech and troop formations for my taste, but that's a minor quibble. 10/10 and recommended for anyone interested in WWII and the Third Reich.

[Sarah Nething · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting angle on world war 2-the book is made up of interview snippets with Germans living during that time period. It’s the first book I’ve read that considers the German perspective