This biography by John Toland is a detailed and chronological account of Adolf Hitler's life, from his childhood and early years in Vienna to his rise as the leader of Nazi Germany. The book includes extensive research and interviews with people close to Hitler and the Nazi regime, providing insights into Hitler's personal life, his political strategies, and the events that shaped his career. It covers key periods such as World War I, Hitler's consolidation of power, the Holocaust, and the final days of the Third Reich. Toland's work is notable for its dispassionate tone and thorough documentation, making it a valuable resource for understanding Hitler's life and impact[1][3][4].
Mein Kampf, written by Adolf Hitler while he was imprisoned following the failed Beer Hall Putsch in 1923, is a two-volume work that combines autobiography and political treatise. The book details Hitler's early life, his experiences during World War I, and his increasing antisemitism and militarism. It outlines his vision for Germany, including the need for Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe, and his racist and anti-Semitic views. The work became the central text of National Socialism and a blueprint for Hitler's policies, including aggressive foreign policy and the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.
In March 1939, James Murphy, a Cork man, became a wanted figure in Nazi Germany. As Europe hurtled towards war, Murphy published an unedited English translation of Hitler’s notorious book, Mein Kampf, which revealed Hitler’s long-held intentions to invade Eastern Europe. However, Murphy's story is complicated. Often presented as an opponent of the Nazis, he had also, for a time, worked in the Third Reich.
The full story behind the translation is intriguing. It reveals how Murphy was manipulated by a secret anti-Nazi group known as the Red Orchestra. It also explores why Murphy, who was aware of many of the darker aspects of the Nazi regime, did not draw attention to them.
Sound: Kate Dunlea
Additional Narrations: Aidan Crowe
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Selected Sources:
Maume P. Murphy, James Vincent, Dictionary of Irish Biography https://www.dib.ie/biography/murphy-james-vincent-a6080
Barnes, J. & P. James Vincent Murphy: Translator and Interpreter of Fascist Europe, 1880-1946
Evans, R. The Hitler Conspiracies The Third Reich and the Paranoid Imagination
Murphy James: Adolf Hitler; the drama of his career https://archive.org/details/Bellerophon5685_yahoo_AHDC/page/n69/mode/2up?q=Jews
Murphy, John Why did my grandfather translate Mein Kampf?
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30697262
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