Hitlers Table Talks: His Private Conversations Critique - Book Report/Review Example

Hitler’s table talk, 1941 – 1944: His private conversations ABC 16/11 Contents Contents 2 Introduction: 3 Conclusion: 7 Works cited: 8 Introduction: The book, ‘Hitler’s table talks: his private conversations’ is a very important source of knowledge. It not only gives details of conversations which Hitler had with his aides; but also enlightens the readers about the various historical aspects or events which Hitler discusses with his aides. The book throws light on the ways Hitler used to convince people – it showed that he was a mixture of an authoritarian and a charismatic leader. Hitler used simple examples before making a comment. He made his comrades think that each and every decision taken is the right decision. He did this by first showing the positive side of doing something and the negative side of not doing a particular thing. Then, he thrust upon the decision. In this way, most comrades agreed to what Hitler maintained. This made the people in awe of Hitler. Be it a military issue or a social issue, the sole decision maker was Hitler. He just conveyed his decision to his colleagues in such a way that it made them think about the decision taken in a positive light. This is one of the major convincing skills which Hitler displayed. The book is very helpful to historians, psychologists, behavioral scientists, management gurus, researchers and any person who wishes to study on the leadership styles, behavior and the way Hitler ruled over Germany. Hitler’s private conversations should be read by historians and researchers because it provides thorough insight on his personality. In actuality, Hitler may be regarded as a tyrant and an oppressor but he always succeeded in presenting a very beautiful picture of him to the Germans. These conversations throw light upon how Hitler always managed to prove to the people that he had taken a right decision. The book shows that in Hitler’s private conversations, almost all the aides present did not say much. Much of the oratory was done by Hitler himself. It was not a two way communication; but in all aspects a speech given by the Fuehrer himself. This throws a lot of light about the arrogant and dominating persona of Hitler. He self proclaimed himself as the dictator of Germany and people had to blindly obey and follow him. Hitler, the German dictator, was notable for his fiery speeches which inspired the Germans. Hitler’s table talk is a book containing private conversations with his aides from 1941 – 1944. This book provides valuable insight about the views and opinions of Hitler and also his dominant character and personality traits. It brings out vivid examples of how Hitler uses his persuasion skills to convince people to follow him and share his views. His talent as a great dictator, politician and orator is very finely brought out in this book. One even comes to know his likes and dislikes, his hobbies, refinements and other minute details. The childhood memories shared by Hitler, shows his hatred towards Christianity and he often questioned delicate aspects with regard to the Bible. In a simple narrative, Hitler remarked that they wanted to say the most blasphemous sin committed when they were preparing for their confessions. This, the children did just to impress the teachers and the fathers in school. In one of his private conversations, Hitler also maintained that he was not interested in the classroom study and often spent time reading some other books in the classroom. These books were not the part of the curriculum. In a way, it showed his hatred for the studies conducted in schools in his days. In the same conversation, Hitler reveals that he visited the cathedral not to pray but to admire the beautiful architecture. From this statement, people come to know that Hitler was an atheist. In another conversation, Hitler maintains that priests compel people to believe in their doctrines. In a way, they are the ones who exploit innocent people in the name of God. Hitler was a progressive person and the conversations show that even at the young age of fifteen, he wanted to work for the betterment of the society. He himself describes joining an association of ‘persons physically separated’. In those days, divorce was not yet coined. Hence, women suffered at the hands of their men and had to suffer through a shameful marriage. Hitler proudly talks of his many talents – his creativity to write out a play act by act. However, he admits that his writing is illegible and hence he had to depend on his sister to write the act which he dictated. Another aspect of his strong character is shown by his decision never to touch alcohol in his life. After getting his certificate, he drank liquor and in an inebriated state, mistook his certificate for toilet paper. After this incident, he decided never to consume liquor. This shows that Hitler was a man of principles and he strongly believed in what he said or did. Hitler shared his respect and liking for his landlady Madame Petronella. In the few conversations he had, he mentioned Petronella to be an upright woman. Petronella used to scold and vex at her husband and at times even throw him out of the house. Despite these attributes, Hitler always revered Petronella for she was kind. For every person he liked or disliked, Hitler always gave a reason for the same. Be it a person or a decision – the reasons Hitler gave made his comrades believe him and follow him. Hitler loved his home the Berghof located on the Obersalzberg. Obbersalzberg is a mountain retreat located in the Austrian border. It has panoramic landscapes. The Berghof was of prime importance to Hitler because it was his retreat for making all political plans and taking all major decisions. In another of his conversations, Hitler mentions that he misses Professor Hoffman. Hitler’s official photographer was Heinrich Hoffman. In fact, in the same conversation Hitler reveals his love for paintings and wishes that he had a painting by Rottmann. However, he quickly interjects that it is not possible to have everything that one desires. Instead he consoles himself by mentioning that it is best to visit Munich if one wants to view paintings by Rottmann. In short, ‘Hitler’s Table Talks: His Private Conversations’ reflects upon the innumerate private talks he held with his aides from 1941 – 1944. It reflects upon the various political decisions taken during the time, and Hitler’s justification for the same. He was a very shrewd diplomat and an equally competent politician. He knew how to convince the people of Germany. This was one of the ways; he gained support from the members of his party and finally became the dictator or Germany. This book is a valuable part of German history. Hitler was at that time, one of the most popular icons and people revered and respected him. The book is almost a reflection of his hay days when he gained political support and popularity and ruled over Germany. There are some aspects of this book which I do not like. It just has a one sided conversation and makes a complete record of the private talks which Hitler shared with his aides. This does not even give any private notes. A person who is reading this book for the first time will have to undertake a lot of research and find out about details which are mentioned in this book. In fact, a small note helping the reader to understand the things would help. This is a book, which most people should read only when they have carried out some basic research on Hitler. For every political event, personality (Bismarck, Churchill, Robespierre) or any other major historical events related to the world war, one has to look up to do a lot of exhaustive reading from other source. Moreover, after a certain point, the reader may lose interest in this book. It has endless rambling about the talks which Hitler had and this book can be included only as a part of the curriculum or may be useful to persons pursuing higher studies in History. A person who wants to gain information on Germany or on Hitler in particular may find this book an interesting read. For all others, a lot of research needs to be conducted while reading the book. Moreover, this book is designed for a niche audience and does not have general appeal. However, only those people can peruse this book after conducting extensive research on the events that took place in Germany during Hitler’s time. There has been extensive research on Hitler and a lot of books and articles which have come out about his style of working. He is deemed among one of the most hated person in the world. This book, however does not comment on the misdeeds or the good deeds that Hitler had done during his dictatorship in Germany. The reader simply gets to know about a lot of valuable information regarding major decisions taken by Hitler. It is simply a reflection of his character and the way he ruled over Germany. These conversations are documented and just translated in the same manner as the minutes in a meeting are recorded. Moreover, it covers the conversations which took place for a span of four years only. There is no mention of the events that happened in Germany after 1944. Hitler became the fuehrer of Germany in 1934 and died in 1945. Hence, there needed to be a short conclusion to this. It would help the reader immensely in understanding the state of events which took place in Germany during this time. Conclusion: From this book, I come to know that Hitler was a famous diplomat and a radical thinker. He was an expert orator and displayed exemplary convincing skills. He was not only an authoritative leader but also was a charismatic person. He had the power to mould the minds of people and present all the activities that he conducted in a favorable light. The Germans loved and trusted him and regarded him to be God. He came to power at a time when Germany was suffering from the worst economic depression and his fiery speeches inspired the Germans. Works cited: Cameron, Norman and Stevens, R. H. Hitler’s table talk 1941 – 1944: His private conversation. New York City: Enigma Books, 2000. Print. Read More