Ian Kershaw Libros

Hitler 1889-1936, la primera parte de este estudio, explicaba las razones por las que los habitantes de un estado moderno, de elevado nivel cultural y de economía puntera, pusieron su destino en manos de un intruso de la política como Adolf Hitler. Ese primer volumen terminaba con la remilitarización de Renania en 1936, cuando el gran dictador gozaba del apoyo de una abrumadora mayoría de alemanes. En esta segunda entrega, Ian Kershaw hace un repaso de las decisiones más demagógicas y sanguinarias de Hitler, hasta su muerte en 1945, y propone explicar de qué modo éste pudo llegar a ejercer el poder absoluto con la aquiescencia y el beneplácito de los ciudadanos de su país, que se dejaron arrastrar a una guerra genocida, al asesinato en masa y a la propia devastación. Se trata, en palabras del autor, de una «historia sobrecogedora de autodestrucción tanto nacional como individual, de cómo un pueblo y sus representantes fraguaron su propia catástrofe como parte de una destrucción calamitosa de la civilización europea»

La primera parte de la biografía escrita por Ian Kershaw logró un notable éxito de público y crítica, a pesar de no abarcar los años más "interesantes" de la historia de Hitler. La obra se presenta como una exhaustiva investigación, amena y accesible para lectores sin conocimientos profundos de historia, resultado de 15 años de trabajo. Aunque puede ser repetitiva, el estudio ilumina aspectos fascinantes del personaje histórico, cuya popularidad se basaba en su habilidad oratoria, capaz de transformar a críticos en fervientes seguidores. La biografía explora los orígenes de Hitler, su vida en Viena y su experiencia en la Primera Guerra Mundial, que moldearon su ideología. Se detalla cómo su discurso y la narrativa de una "puñalada por la espalda" tras la derrota en la guerra cimentaron su ascenso. Kershaw también destaca el impacto de la crisis económica de 1929, que favoreció al nazismo como alternativa a la ineficaz República de Weimar. En 1933, el Partido Nazi ganó la mayoría parlamentaria, y tras la muerte de Hindenburg, Hitler consolidó su poder eliminando a posibles opositores. La biografía, enriquecida por nuevos archivos soviéticos, revela la mediocridad de Hitler en muchos aspectos, lo que hace aún más sorprendente su ascenso al poder.

Ian Kershaw's biography of Hitler is a definitive work that combines a personal history of the dictator with an analysis of the forces that enabled his rise to power. Kershaw explores Hitler's impact and the context of Nazi Germany, providing a vivid account of his ascent and the resulting atrocities of World War II.

'Superb ... likely to become a classic' Observer In the summer of 1914 most of Europe plunged into a war so catastrophic that it unhinged the continent's politics and beliefs in a way that took generations to recover from. The disaster terrified its survivors, shocked that a civilization that had blandly assumed itself to be a model for the rest of the world had collapsed into a chaotic savagery beyond any comparison. In 1939 Europeans would initiate a second conflict that managed to be even worse - a war in which the killing of civilians was central and which culminated in the Holocaust. To Hell and Back tells this story with humanity, flair and originality. Kershaw gives a compelling narrative of events, but he also wrestles with the most difficult issues that the events raise - with what it meant for the Europeans who initiated and lived through such fearful times - and what this means for us.

A powerful narrative detailing the final days of the Nazi regime and the collapse of a nation.

From one of Britain's most distinguished historians and the bestselling author of Hitler, this definitive history explores a divided Europe from the aftermath of the Second World War to the present. Following the horrors of the first half of the 20th century, the years from 1950 to 2017 brought peace and relative prosperity to much of Europe. Enormous economic improvements transformed the continent, allowing the catastrophic era of the world wars to fade into the past, though its long shadow continued to influence mentalities. Europe became a divided continent, living under nuclear threat and facing intermittent anxiety. Europeans experienced a tumultuous journey, often feeling powerless as the USA and USSR dictated their fates during the Cold War. There were notable successes, such as the dissolution of the Soviet bloc, the fall of dictatorships, and the reunification of Germany. However, accelerating globalization introduced new vulnerabilities. The interlocking crises post-2008 served as a stark reminder that peace and stability are not guaranteed. In this remarkable work, Ian Kershaw offers a grand panorama of contemporary Europe and its origins, prompting a reevaluation of what it means to be European.

Ian Kershaw's Fateful Choices examines pivotal political decisions that significantly influenced the trajectory of the Second World War. The tumultuous events at the war's onset created an unpredictable landscape where aggressors pursued boundless ambitions while their victims faced the threat of a new Dark Age. Kershaw delves into ten crucial decisions made from May 1940, when Britain opted against surrender, to December 1941, when Hitler resolved to annihilate Europe's Jews, illustrating how these choices reshaped history. The book has garnered praise for its powerful arguments and its ability to alter perspectives on the conflict. Andrew Roberts calls it "important," while Alan Massie highlights its contribution to understanding the war. Richard Overy commends Kershaw's scholarly rigor and sound judgment, noting his compelling re-examination of the conflict. Max Hastings describes it as a lucid and impeccably argued exploration of the war's greatest political decisions. Anthony Beevor emphasizes Kershaw's immense knowledge and clarity, calling the work brilliantly explained and wise. Kershaw, a leading authority on Hitler and a former Professor of Modern History at the University of Sheffield, has authored several influential works, including his acclaimed biographies of Hitler.

After the overwhelming horrors of the first half of the 20th century, the years from 1950 to 2017 brought peace and relative prosperity to most of Europe. Enormous economic improvements transformed the continent, while the catastrophic era of the world wars receded into the past, though its long shadow continued to shape mentalities. Europe became a divided continent, living under the nuclear threat, marked by intermittent anxiety. Europeans experienced a 'roller-coaster ride' of events that threatened disaster, often feeling powerless as the USA and USSR dictated their fates during the Cold War. There were notable successes, such as the dissolution of the Soviet bloc, the fall of dictatorships, and the reunification of Germany. However, accelerating globalization introduced new vulnerabilities. The impact of interlocking crises after 2008 served as a stark reminder that peace and stability were not guaranteed. In this remarkable work, the author presents a grand panorama of contemporary Europe and its historical roots, drawing on examples from across the continent. This exploration encourages a reevaluation of Europe and the essence of being European.

What made Germany keep fighting to the death, even when it was clear they would lose the Second World War? Why did its rulers not cut a deal to save their own skin? And why did ordinary people continue to obey the Führer's suicidal orders, with countless Germans executing their own countrymen for desertion or defeatism? Ian Kershaw's searing account takes us into the heart of the Third Reich's final months, laying bare the fear and fanaticism that drove a nation to destruction. 'Brilliant . . . undoubtedly a masterpiece.' Mail on Sunday'No one has written a better account of the human dimensions of Nazi Germany's end.' James J. Sheehan, New York Review of Books'Masterly . . . Kershaw's gripping and boldly intelligent work will surely become the standard popularly accessible account of the Nazi system's terrible final phase.' Financial Times'Kershaw is a sure-footed guide through the Hades of the final dark months of the war in Europe.' Independent on Sunday'A compelling account . . . gives us much more then the view from the top . . . interwoven are insights into German life and death at all levels of society.' The Times'Brilliant . . . utterly terrifying.'Sunday Times, Books of the Year