The Memoirs of Field Marshal Keitel offers a profound and personal glimpse into the inner workings of Hitler’s High Command through the eyes of Wilhelm Keitel, one of the most senior military officers in Nazi Germany.
Edited by the renowned German historian Walter Görlitz and meticulously translated by David Irving, this book delves into Keitel’s firsthand account of the events that shaped the course of World War II. Enhanced with additional commentary by Irving, this edition presents a candid look into the strategic decisions, political machinations, and military campaigns from Austria’s annexation to the downfall of the Third Reich.
Wilhelm Keitel, chief of the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW), served as Hitler’s top military advisor and was pivotal in orchestrating several key military operations. Writing before his execution at Nuremberg, Keitel provides an intimate portrayal of the Nazi war effort, revealing the dynamics of power, loyalty, and betrayal that pervaded the highest ranks of Hitler’s regime.
This edition of The Memoirs of Field Marshal Keitel uncovers the intricate details of the annexations of Austria and Czechoslovakia, the German Army’s rivalry with the SS (accentuated by a moral scandal), and the intense period leading up to the outbreak of war in 1939. Keitel’s narrative offers a unique perspective on the victorious early campaigns, the grueling conflict on the Eastern Front, and the ultimate collapse of Nazi Germany.
Reader Reviews: Praised for its authenticity and depth of analysis, The Memoirs of Field Marshal Keitel has been hailed as a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and inner dynamics of the Nazi military leadership. Reviewers commend the book for its enlightening revelations.
Lee –
I meant to give this five stars, but accidentally clicked four. It is a great book. Highly recommended.