Koenraad Dumoulin answers “How can we take this book seriously...”

Niklas Pivic asked this question about Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany:

How can we take this book seriously following this scathing critique? https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/nov/16/blitzed-drugs-in-nazi-germany-by-norman-ohler-review

Koenraad Dumoulin A lot of new historical books on WW1 as well WW2 are paste and copy books. After reading many many books on both wars I must say that this book " Blit…moreA lot of new historical books on WW1 as well WW2 are paste and copy books. After reading many many books on both wars I must say that this book " Blitzed " was a revelation, brought things in perspective. It is a must read by all that are studying WW2. It reveals the use of drugs to overcome fatigue and hunger by fighting troops ( as an offensive can not go on for more thenn 5 to 8 days ). On the other hand the book shows that also leading figures of the III Reich, and not less the Führer himself, were using drugs to overcome their stress and fatigue, not the less supporting them in their criminal mindset to winn the war and give full outcome to their dictatorial regime. After reading the book a lot will come clearer: the rapid physical decline of the figure of AH, his mental (criminal dictarorial) mindset till the end when those ordered to appear in HQ were afraid to do so. The drugs had an influence, but as a supportive role, and not really affecting as much as addiction or influencing the mindset. This book is really a "must read" and you will understand what I mean. It is a good " illuminating " book with a rarely seen new subject.(less)

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