David Irving’s Göring is a compelling and meticulously researched biography of Hermann Göring, the flamboyant and controversial Reichsmarschall of Hitler’s Germany. This best-selling work was published in 1989 and has been acclaimed worldwide for its detailed examination of one of the Third Reich’s most influential and enigmatic figures. Based on Göring’s personal papers and a wealth of previously unpublished documents, Irving’s biography presents a nuanced portrait of a man who was at once a ruthless enforcer of Nazi policy and a figure of ridicule for his opulent lifestyle and drug addiction.
Göring navigates the reader through the complex life of Hermann Göring, from his early days in the German military to his ascent within the Nazi Party, his leadership roles in the Luftwaffe and the German economy, and his notorious involvement in war crimes and the Holocaust. Irving does not shy away from Göring’s darker facets, including his insatiable appetite for power, luxury, and art looted across Europe. Yet, the biography also delves into Göring’s personal vulnerabilities, such as his struggle with morphine addiction and his efforts to maintain his stature within the volatile hierarchy of the Nazi regime.
“David Irving is one of Britain’s most disliked and condemned writers. There are many who believe that Irving builds some new shock to public belief into each book he writes. The other side of Irving makes him a most formidable opponent. He is . . . the most assiduous and persistent of researchers into the mountains of documents. . . He has uncovered enormous quantities of private diaries and papers hidden from Allied investigators. And he has shown a combination of generosity and commercial acumen in their disposal . . . Irving has produced a study of Göring which makes no attempt to disguise his many failings . . . The book is a goldmine for aficionados of Nazi Germany . . . the verifiable details are fascinating.”
–Professor Donald Cameron Watt, in The Sunday Times (‘book of the week’) August 13, 1989.“The author is also a remarkable researcher who has the tenacity and ability to find unknown archival evidence in the most unlikely places, enabling him to shed new light on past heroes and enemies . . . An immensely readable and interesting book that contains a wealth of new research material in the notes that will be of great use to future historians.” – James Rusbridger, Western Morning News, August 19, 1989.
“Drawing on extensive materials, including Göring’s personal papers Irving demonstrates in convincing fashion [that] Göring’s dark talents were no match for his insatiable appetites – for drugs, ludicrous opulence and priceless paintings . . . Göring is an informative and sobering account – an indictment really – of a man with no redeeming virtue.” – Rory Quirk, in Washington Post, May 3, 1989, and New York Post.
Reader Reviews: Critically acclaimed by readers for its insightful and unbiased portrayal of a complex figure, Göring is recognized for Irving’s meticulous research standards and compelling storytelling. Readers appreciate the nuanced exploration of Göring’s character and the detailed account of his contributions to and complicity in the Nazi regime’s atrocities.
602 pages
Dan L. –
Reading this book, one wonders what would have happened if someone other than Göring, a drug addict, slacker, looter and idiot, commanded the Luftwaffe?
Irving's well researched book traces Goring's life from his childhood in Bavaria through his education at a military academy where he first fell in love with smartly trimmed uniforms, through his experience as a Fighter Pilot in W.W.I, then through his early connection with Hitler and what Hitler stood for in the years of humiliation and finally, to the years of power as Hitler's second in command.
Irving leaves no doubt that Goring was a monster, a monster who had no second thoughts about engineering the deaths of countless numbers of innocent people. He found it aesthetically unpleasing, however, to actually witness any of these "unpleasantries."
Goring was a coward who pretended to be brave and heroic. He was a morphine addict because he couldn't tolerate pain, but had no qualms about inflicting pain on others. He was honest to no one, not to himself, not to his fellow officers, and certainly not to Hitler. A great percentage of his energy during the war years went to fabricating alibis and hiding from Hitler so he wouldn't have to admit to his responsibility for many great failures, particularly where the Luftwaffe was concerned.
All in all, a gem of a book and as usual, in Irving's meticulously high standards. Read it together with Irving's biography of Milch, and you get a feel of the real Luftwaffe.
jribble33@aol.com –
Excellent Book! Very well written and one of my favorite all time books. Mr. Irving is a national treasure a true historian.
Stig-Ove Madetoja –
Found this one translated into swedish from the local library. I remember how well Görings influence and also negative traits and many details of his personal life was so well written about.
To this date every single book by David Irving i read has been a treasure trove of historical data. Hopefully i will be able to collect them all.